The third production in Music Theatre Guernsey's dinner theatre series is Diana Son's critically-acclaimed off-Broadway one act play Stop Kiss, a compelling story of love, courage, self-discovery and acceptance.
In 1990s New York City, twentysomething traffic-reporter Callie is stuck in a rut - she hates her job, indulges in meaningless flings and is little more than a bystander in her own life.
When Sara leaves St Louis for a teaching job in New York, circumstance introduces her to Callie through the friend of a friend and the two women develop a strong bond that soon runs deeper than simple friendship.
However, Callie's indecision and insecurity put a strain on their relationship, until one magical night she finally, finally plucks up the courage to act on her feelings - only to have the moment cruelly and violently interrupted.
A small, strong cast of supporting characters - including ex-boyfriends and a surly police detective - help the story unfold via split timelines, the past and the present, in an emotional rollercoaster that will leave audiences holding their breath at the end of the piece. Limited seating brings the audience right up close to a 10ft by 16ft extension of St James' main stage, ensuring an intimate, fly-on-the-wall atmosphere and experience.
Director Dani Robin says, "Stop Kiss explores an array of themes but is predominantly about human connection. When we first meet Callie she is a bit jaded and cynical and has no motivation to better her situation - until Sara sweeps into her life and flips it upside down. The audience accompanies the characters as they navigate the highs and lows of their developing bond in a sometimes cruel and compassionless world."
Featuring Sophie Duncan as Callie, Chloe Gallie as Sara, Sam Hearne (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) as George, Ethan Hitchon (Audacity) as Peter, Andy McCutcheon (Audacity) as Detective Cole, Katherine Wegerer as Mrs Winsley and Chloe Divers as Nurse.
The play features strong language and adult themes.
Stop Kiss will open at St James Concert Hall on Wednesday 16th February, running four performances only through Saturday 19th February.
Tickets are £12 and available to book online via https://mtgsy.gg/stop-kiss/ or by calling St James' box office on 01481 711361
The show starts 8PM.
Local & Wild's delicious pre-show menu can be found on St James' website (https://stjames.gg/localnwild/) , however the meal is entirely optional should you wish to go straight to the performance.
About Music Theatre Guernsey
Music Theatre Guernsey (MTG) was launched in June 2020 by Darren Alderton after the end of lockdown as a way to encourage more people to be able to access the arts. The company stage music and theatre productions, activities and events across the breadth of Guernsey in both established venues and unexpected and interesting locations. We are a local company who believe that theatre is about the writing and the stripped back talent of experienced and new actors alike. We are always looking to discover and nurture local talent; new actors, playwrights and budding directors.
Our Purpose
MTG exists to give the opportunity for anyone to be involved in music and theatre. We aim to bring new local talent in all forms to the forefront and to develop individuals and their passion whether it be for writing, acting, lighting, directing and more. We believe that theatre should not just entertain but also challenge our expectations and understanding of the world, giving us a chance to reflect and learn.
We’re always looking for new and unexpected performance venues as, with the natural beauty of Guernsey, we believe our island is the perfect physical and metaphorical home to support and develop local talent.