Review: FIRST KISSES Creates Memories

After having celebrated our 32nd anniversary on Thursday, my husband and I headed out Friday for a short road trip to Oneonta to see the Southeastern Premiere of FIRST KISSES presented by the Covered Bridge Players. I wanted to present this 2015 BroadwayWorld award winning theatre with their certificate for Best Play (DRIVING MISS DAISY) and FIRST KISSES turned out to be the perfect performance for the continuation of our anniversary celebration.

Following the lives of John and Mary, this story covers over 60 years of friendship. At first the 11 year olds are not so sure how they feel about being friends with someone of the opposite sex, but they later look back to realize they loved each other from the start.

Going through deaths, lost loves, temptations, kids and more together, this couple is written in a very real and engaging way. Played by 8 different actors, these characters are portrayed all the way from 11 years old to 72.

Directed by Carron Clem, the show is at times funny and other times sad- just like a real couple's life. There are times of happiness, doubt, fierce love and exhaustion. Ms. Clem does an admirable job of keeping the movement interesting and the flow between scenes, costume changes and actor changes smooth and precise.

The bulk of the story is told by John and Mary ages 14-21 portrayed by Zach Armstrong and Mary Meg Brewer and John and Mary ages 32-52 portrayed by Sammy Hodges and Ginni King. Both sets of actors are put through emotional moments and do a good job. The youngest age is portrayed by Blanton King and Grace Kelly, who start the story off in humor and sweetness. The older pair is played by Gary March- Force and Bunny Murphree who end the show on a comfortable and equally sweet note.

The set is interesting and serves the purpose of the story without being distracting. It morphs easily from one time period to the next. If I had to find something to complain about, and I usually do, it would be that while Ms. Clem did a great job of using the entire space including the aisle, I wish the lighting had been more consistent throughout the area. There were some dark spots where the actors were almost totally out of the light and some knew how to find their light better than others.

Overall the show was enjoyable and although it was an hour drive, we will be back soon because the theatre is very comfortable, the show was well done and the people there were accommodating and friendly. It excites me that there is theatre of this caliber happening in the small towns across the state.

I would definitely recommend seeing FIRST KISSES, an endearing, emotional and funny play- except I think they are all sold out. And isn't that great! Their next play is A FOX ON THE FAIRWAY coming in May and their 2016-17 season looks interesting. So call 205-903-4060 for information or go to coveredbridgeplayers.com or their Facebook page to check out this small town gem.

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