Center Players Presents "Prelude to a Kiss" at Lake Topanemus

Center Players will present a return to live theater with a production of Prelude to a Kiss at the Kirk Tibbett stage at Lake Topanemus Park on Pond Road in Freehold, NJ, from July 16-24th.

Written by Craig Lucas, this 1988 romantic comedy will be directed by Anthony Marinelli, and tells the story of Rita and Peter, who marry after a whirlwind courtship. Following their storybook wedding, an elderly man congratulates Rita with a kiss and miraculously switches souls with her. The play examines if Peter and Rita's marriage can endure the greatest test of all.

“We were approached by Freehold Township about the possibility of presenting a live, outdoor theatrical event, and we are thrilled that this production will represent our return to live theater,” noted Center Players Artistic Director Bernice Garfield-Szita. “We encourage local residents to join us in a safe, beautiful outdoor setting to enjoy this heartwarming play.”

Performances are Friday and Saturday, July 16, 17, 23rd and 24th at 7:30pm and Sunday, July 18th at 6:30pm. Sunday, July 25th is set aside as a possible rain date. Tickets are specially priced at $10 and are available online at www.centerplayers.org or by calling 732-462-9093.

Please be advised this play contains adult content and is not recommended for children under 15 years of age. Patrons must bring their own chairs (no lounge or low beach types) and chair placement is first come, first serve. Patrons will be able to sign in one half-hour prior to curtain. Porta potties will be available and refreshments will be sold for a nominal fee during intermission.

Manalapan-NJ resident Marinelli has written and directed for both theater and film. On stage, he produced and directed Fool for Love and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, in NYC. His one-act plays include Acoustic Space, (Winner Best Play 2014 Strawberry One Act Festival), Another Famous Dead Artist, Max & Domino, Visitors, Sartre Was Wrong and Missing Life. His film adaptation of Acoustic Space won Best Short in the 2018 Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival and Best Original Screenplay in the 2016 Richmond International Film Festival. Another short he directed, Walt Whitman Never Paid For It, won the Audience Choice Award at the Richmond International Film Festival in 2014. Both films are available on Amazon Prime.

At Center Players, Marinelli has directed productions of Butterflies are Free, Play It Again, Sam, Chapter Two and Same Time Next Year, which was the last show produced at Center Playhouse before the Covid-19 shutdown. He is also a full-time film editor and owner of AntHillProductions. https://www.anthonymarinelli.net.

Center Players expects to celebrate its 20th season at Center Playhouse at 35 South Street with a full season, beginning in the fall. A respected, award-winning organization, the group presents high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent in downtown Freehold. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play readings and other special events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants.