[NEohioPAL] "An Intoxicating play not to be missed!" at Ensemble.

[Ensemble Theatre]

Chagrin Valley Times Review

November 28th, 2013.

*Herb Hammer-Chagrin Valley Times*.

*PRELUDE PLOT ABOUT MORE THAN "JUST A KISS".*


     Moments after Peter and Rita say their "I do's"and elderly gentleman
nobody seems to know asks if he can kiss the bride.  Rita, not knowing the
chaos this polite,gentle kiss will bring, approves.  Hegently kisses her,
then dissapears.  The tiny peck on the lips becomes the center of Craig
Lucas'romantic odd comedy "Prelude to a Kiss" now entering it's second
weekat Ensemble Theatre in Cleveland Hts.  (for us now in it's third week:))

     The play first saw the light of day in 1988off-Broadway.  Later it was
moved toBroadway and finally a highly successful revival emerged and played
againin2007.  While there is a happily everafter at the finish line,
"Prelude to a Kiss" awakens us to somethingwe might have known all along.  *The
bestof life can be fleeting*,* the worst unavoidable*.  While romance leads
the way, heartbreak mightnot be too far behind.

     Though Peter and Rita (they have fun with their names lateron) are far
different one from the other-she is a socialist bartender, he with a sad
upbringing, wandering spirit and hightech mind- they appear to be meant for
each other.  There is a chemistry right from the start.  They meet at a bar
where he immediately asks her to marry him.  She says yes and in a matter
of weeks he really means it and they do get married.  Mr. Lucas, it
appears, has no intention of writing a romantic comedy, though there is
enough humor and romance to keep this story from becoming too dark.

     All of the faced paced action is performed on Ensemble's arena stage.
The only set is a small oriental rug Rita lugs on and off and a few small
props, including two beach chairs for the Jamaica honeymoon.  Director
Martin Friedman, who has directed Prelude to a Kiss in the distant past,
has a clear picture of what he wants to do with this highly unusual plot.
His exceptional vision keeps the audience deeply involved.

     When the young newlyweds arrive in Jamaica, Peter immediately notices
how Rita has changed. It is not long before he knows what we know.  The
kiss at the wedding has caused Rita and the Old Man to switch souls.  He is
in her body and she in his.  What now!?  Find the old man and find Rita,
who by now wants a divorce or an annulment.  If you think you know what's
going to happen next, forget it.  Just sit back and enjoy.

     Aaron Elersich is determined yet sensitive as Peter.  Kelly Strand, is
nothing short of wonderful as Rita, who is a slim beauty.  You can hardly
keep your eyes off of her.  And their are more fine performances.  Michael
Regnier plays the old man as a straight-faced, humble gentleman.  When he
is Rita, and he is more often than not, he lightens up.  You might wonder
how this works.  Well, it just does!  Laura Starnik is excellent as Rita's
mother and Darrell Starnik is just as fine as Rita's father, who has no
idea what is going on.


The 1992 movie version had Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin as Ritaand Peter.  The
title is taken from a Duke Ellington song, played here lightly in the back
round. * This intoxicating play is not to be missed!*


*2 more weekends!  **Bring a canned or box food item to the show to help* *THE
CLEVELAND FOOD BANK** and your date will get in FREE!   **With a Great
Cast:  Aaron D Elersich, Kelly Strand, Michael Regnier, Benjamin Gregg,
Laura Starnik, Darrell Starnik, David Hundertmark, Marcia Mandell, and
Jeanne Madison!  *


*216-321-2930*.  *www.ensemble-theatre.org
<http://www.ensemble-theatre.org>* for tickets!

We look forward to seeing you in our audience.
-- 
*2013-2014 SEASON. *
*"ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE"*

*ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER*
by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Celeste Cosentino
*September 27th through October 20th.*

*PRELUDE TO A KISS *
by Craig Lucas
Directed by Martin Friedman
*November 21st through December 15th*

*KNOCK ME A KISS *
By Charles Smith
Directed by Carolyn Jackson Smith
*January 31 through Febraury 23rd. *
Winner of 9 2011 AUDELCO awards.

*COLOMBI NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL*
This will be the month of March.  Specific Dates and shows TBA.

*BEYOND THE HORIZON*
by Eugene O'Neil
Directed by Celeste Cosentino
*April 18th through May 11th*
O'Neill's 1st Pulitzer Prize Winner-1920.

*We look forward to seeing you in our audience!*

*TICKETS, SUBSCRIPTIONS, & **INFORMATION *
*VISIT OUR WEBSITE:*
*www.ensemble-theatre.org <http://www.ensemble-theatre.org>*

*info at ensemble-theatre.org <info at ensemble-theatre.org>*
*tickets at ensemble-theatre.org <tickets at ensemble-theatre.org>*



*Box Office: 216.321.2930 (Tickets/Staff)Office: 216.202.0894
(Tours/Education/Staff)*
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