AUBURN — Director Eileen M. Messina has announced the cast and crew for the upcoming Community Little Theater production of the romantic comedy “Prelude to a Kiss.”

“Prelude to a Kiss,” by Craig Lucas, tells the story of a couple that simply falls in lovee —  the young man is idealistic and romantic; the young woman is a bit wild and unpredictable. Immediately after Peter and Rita have exchanged wedding vows, an unknown elderly man asks to kiss the bride. As he does, something magical passes between them and Peter soon discovers that his wife’s soul now inhabits the body of the old man and vice versa. Back from the honeymoon he realizes he must find the old man and determine his reason, and try to switch them back. This event tests the strength of their love and commitment to each other.

“Prelude to A Kiss” is at heart a romance about falling in love, marriage and what happens when the person you married changes, either through age, appearance or illness. Written in the late 80’s, it was considered to be an allegory about the AIDS epidemic. 

The play is narrated by the bridegroom Peter, played by Ryan Adair. His wife Rita is played by newcomer Michelle Martin, and CLT stage veteran Mark Hazard will play the mysterious Old Man. Other cast members include longtime CLT members Shirley Bernier and David Marshall as Rita’s parents; Christopher Hodgkin as Taylor, Peter’s friend and Best Man; James McKinley as Uncle Fred and Kathy Demers as Aunt Dorothy; Tracy Draper as Leah; Mitch Thomas as the minister and Tyler Pulk as Tom.

Messina has been actively involved with CLT for 40 years. She has directed many shows including Our Town, The Lion in Winter, Sylvia, Inspecting Carol and Greetings. She has also choreographed at least 30 more musicals and performed in well over 100 shows. 

For “Prelude”she has assembled a crew that includes Britny Anderson as producer and sound designer, and Dan Kane as assistant director and stage manager. The rest of the crew includes Richard Martin, light design; Zach Gagne, light design assistant and light board operator; Maureen Brann, sound designer assistant and sound board operator; Sophie Messina, properties and prompting; Celeste Philippon, publicity and program layout; and Rebecca Cole, photography.

Production dates for this show are June 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m. and June 11 and 18 at 2:00 p.m.

FMI: www.laclt.com.

Appearing in the upcoming Community Little Theater production of Prelude to a Kiss are, front, from left: David Marshall and Shirley Bernier as Dr. and Mrs. Boyle; Mark Hazard as the Old Man Kathy Demers as Aunt Dorothy & James McKinley as Uncle Fred. In back,  Chris Hodgkin as Taylor; Michelle Martin as Rita; Ryan Adair as Peter; and Tracy Draper as Leah. Other cast members absent when picture taken include Mitch Thomas as the minister and Tyler Pulk as Tom

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