FTE’s Stop Kiss Tells of Love, Loss and Pain

When Sam sings “As Time Goes By” in Casablanca, he assures us that a kiss is just a kiss, and that “the world will always welcome lovers.” In Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble’s production of “Stop Kiss” by Diana Son, we learn that Sam was quite wrong.

FTE will present Stop Kiss at the 810 Caroline Street building in downtown Fredericksburg from March 3-5 and March 10-12. The play tells the story of two young women in New York City. Callie, a radio traffic reporter, is drifting and dancing through life without a clear sense of her identity, while Sara, a teacher and recent transplant from the Midwest, is eager to make her way in the city. These two “friends of friends” develop a romantic attraction and are ready to begin their journey together with a kiss when they are brutally attacked in a hate crime.

Stop Kiss tells the story of Sara and Callie in scenes alternating between past and present. The show deals with homophobia and anti-gay prejudice, but also speaks to larger themes of discovering one’s own identity and finding your way in the world.

The play’s director, local theater veteran Rachel Kaye Pulley, describes the show as a love story. According to Pulley, "love is a connection, it is an unstoppable force that can catch us by surprise and turn our lives upside down." She said that the show will take the audience on a journey of emotions. The play "challenges ways of thinking and brings to light the harsh realities of loving someone the world says that you shouldn't love," she noted.

Shows are at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, March 3-4 and 10-11, and at 6 PM Sundays March 5 and 12. There is also a Saturday matinee at 2 P.M. on March 4. Performances are at the Allstate Community Theater downtown, and tickets are available at fredericksburgtheatre.org.