The Fitchburg State University Communications Media Department presents the timely romantic drama, “Stop Kiss” by Diana Son in November.
"Stop Kiss" will be performed at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 and 19; Thursday, Nov. 13 and 20; Friday, Nov. 14 and 21; and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 22. There will be matinee performances at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 and 22.
All shows are at the Wallace Theater for Performing Arts (McKay Complex) at 67 Rindge Road.
Performances are free and open to the public.
The elevator in the McKay building is currently out of service. To accommodate guests who cannot access the theater on the second floor, we will be simulcasting the performances of "Stop Kiss" at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 in Room C-165 of the McKay building.
This drama about two young women in New York City is a powerful story that you won’t want to miss.
“Stop Kiss” is set in New York City in 1998. Callie is a traffic reporter who has grown tired of New York City. Sara is a fresh face from St. Louis, hoping to make a difference as a school teacher in the Bronx. Both women have boyfriends, but as their friendship develops into something more, they begin to question what they really want in life. Their first kiss provokes a violent attack that transforms their lives in surprising ways.
“Callie experiences a blend of anger, sadness, and guilt as she confronts her own identity and the world’s shifting perceptions of her,” said director Denise Alexander.
Alexander said she was drawn to the play by its ability to spark important conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of telling stories from marginalized communities.
While the play grapples with serious themes, the story is full of laughter and tender moments. When it first premiered, audiences were won over by the love story at the heart of the drama. One reviewer from The Star-Ledger said, “something as thought-provoking and ultimately moving as STOP KISS is a joy to experience.”
The cast includes: Emerson DiSalle, Julia Dufresne, Hunter Whitehead, Noah Barnes, Thomas Meehan, and Lina Kherallah. The Understudy cast features Sebastian Desumas, Jaylis Lopez, Keren Noonan, and Nicolas Salamack. Technical crew includes: Ryan Barker, Alyssa Brayley, Payton Kut, Jo Nazro, Adam Post, and David Allen Prescott.
For more information, please contact director Denise Alexander at dalexan8@fitchburgstate.edu or 978-868-3554.
Photo by Fitchburg State Student Photographer Katharine Nizwantowski.
The “Stop Kiss” cast and crew.