Prelude to a Kiss

ReAct Theatre presents a charming version of Craig Lucas’s most commercially successfully play, a romantic comedy that takes a fantastical turn. Peter and Rita meet at a party, and sparks fly; they’re in bed soon and engaged shortly thereafter. She’s attracted to his consideration and he to her cynicism—as well as her body, which is problematic when her soul suddenly finds itself in the body of an old man. That moment initially seems kitschy, perhaps because the soul-switching genre is generally reserved for Lindsay Lohan movies. Yet Prelude to a Kiss(notably written prior to Lohan fame) avoids clichés and amounts to something much more profound. Although the supporting cast is occasionally stiff, the two lovers are wonderful to watch. As Peter, Trevor Marston is enjoyably awkward, and Toni Rose as Rita handles her dual personality quite well, modifying her movement as well as her demeanor. Together they’re quirky and neurotic, but ultimately sincere. BRENT ARONOWITZ 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 4 p.m. Sun. Ends April 20.
Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m. Starts: March 27. Continues through April 20, 2008