'Prelude to a Kiss' is a fun, touching romp with three married couples

Jay Pateakos
·2 min read
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The show: "Prelude to a Kiss"

What it is about:   A couple caught up in love at first site get married quickly but their lives and the lives of everyone in their circle turn upside down when a random old man asks to kiss the bride at the wedding reception.  Let’s just say that one innocent kiss had an impact-so comedic yet touching that no one will ever be the same.

Real-life married couple Seton Brown as Peter and Chelsey Jo Brown as Rita in a scene from "Prelude to a Kiss."
Real-life married couple Seton Brown as Peter and Chelsey Jo Brown as Rita in a scene from "Prelude to a Kiss."

See it or not?  See it.   The performances seemed so natural to many of the actors involved and you will see why below.  The show had such a blend of humor and wonderful acting; you will find yourself laughing aloud a lot.

Seton Brown and Art Devine as "Old Man" in "Prelude to a Kiss."
Seton Brown and Art Devine as "Old Man" in "Prelude to a Kiss."

Highlight of the show:  This is a tough one as there are numerous incredible actors in this production but my highlight is that of Art Devine as the “Old Man” It’s hard enough to act on a stage, but what Devine did, acting out scene after scene as a person of a different sex and half your age was just incredible to watch unfold. His female walk was just so cute!

Paul and Jade Schuyler, also married in real life, in a scene from "Prelude to a Kiss." (Photo: Bob Tucker, Focalpoint Studio)
Paul and Jade Schuyler, also married in real life, in a scene from "Prelude to a Kiss." (Photo: Bob Tucker, Focalpoint Studio)

Fun fact:    They have three married couples in this company! Chelsey Jo Brown and Seton Brown, who play Rita and Peter; Paul and Jade Schuyler who play the Boyles, Rita’s parents; and Art Devine, the Old Man, and director Maura Hanlon! It made for a fun rehearsal process for all, I hear.

Worth noting:    South Coast Repertory in California is presenting the world premiere of the musical version of "Prelude to a Kiss" this spring with music by Dan Messé, lyrics by Sean Hartley and Dan Messé, and book by Craig Lucas.

One more thing:  The original production of Prelude was written in the late 80s and premiered on Broadway in 1990 with Mary Louise Parker and Alec Baldwin. A revival ran in 2007, and in 2017, Lucas revised the play for a smaller cast and updated references. The original production was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

If you go: Runs through Dec. 4, Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.  Tickets and information: www.caperep.org

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape theater review: 'Prelude to a Kiss' is a fun, touching romp