Review: PRELUDE TO A KISS at Falcon Theatre a 'Sweet Serenade to Soulmates'

Craig Lucas's "Prelude to a Kiss," playing at Falcon Theatre just before Valentine's Day, is a sweet serenade to soulmates. It asks: What makes you love the person you love? And what happens if that person's soul is swapped with someone else's?

Such is the predicament of protagonist Peter, whose whirlwind courtship with Rita results in a joyful wedding. As "Happily ever after" seems on the horizon, a strange old man crashes the reception and asks to kiss the bride. The innocent request brings consequences no one could have expected, and the newlyweds are left to figure out what brought them together and if it can keep them together.

One highlight of the show was the exceptional set design and staging under Tom Peters's direction. If you have never been to Falcon, it is a Chicago-style storefront theater, demanding economical use of space. The simple white yet many-leveled set provided a one-size-fits-all for the various locations in the script, from a crowded and chaotic family wedding to intimate duets in apartments.

Equal accolades go to props, with just enough to set the scene and never too many to burden the actors. Lighting was simple but appropriate, though shorter fade-ins would have prevented actors from beginning lines half-lit.

Matthew David Gellin delivered a dynamic performance as Peter. He transitioned seamlessly between dialogue and fourth-wall-breaking monologues, creating a crisp, clean, and refreshingly natural character. His journey from nervous suitor to confident romantic to desperate soul-searcher was clear and poignant.

Becca Howell, as Rita, had charm and appeal, but didn't seem completely settled into the role. For example, she laughed at a joke made by Peter before Peter had finished the joke. Her character choices were well-crafted and she created many wonderful moments, but something wasn't completely present in the performance I attended. However, when faced with the challenge of playing an old man in a young woman's body trying to hide the fact that he is an old man, she made subtle but appropriate adjustments to her physicality that sold the mystical elements of the tale.

Faced with the reverse challenge-playing a young woman trapped in an old man's body-Arny Stoller as The Old Man created an excellently anachronistic physicality that breathed life into the second act. He had a relaxed presence, and scenes between Stoller and Gellin were lovely in their aching awkwardness. Holly Sauerman and Terry Gosdin both contributed strong supporting performances as Rita's parents, finding comedy without forcing it.

This production may not be ground-breaking, but it is solid and makes for a great date night, perhaps with your own soulmate. "Prelude to a Kiss" runs at the Falcon Theatre February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13. All performances are at 8:00pm. Tickets are $20 adult / $15 student and can be purchased at www.falcontheatre.net or by calling 513-479-6783.

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