Love and Violence Both Tragic and Heartwarming in Central’s “Stop Kiss”

November 3, 2009

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Central Theatre Ensemble at Central Washington University opens its 2009-2010 main stage season with the seriocomic modern play "Stop Kiss," by Diana Son, on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Milo Smith Tower Theatre.

“Stop Kiss” follows the unlikely relationship of Callie, a seasoned New Yorker, and Sara, a St. Louis girl new to the big city. A friendship between the two develops into an unexpected and unspoken attraction, and a tentative first kiss leads to a shocking act of violence.

Playwright Son presents the story with a shifting timeline of past and present that allows the story to slowly unfold in a manner that is heartbreaking, comical and hopeful.

Brenda Hubbard, “Stop Kiss” director, says this play speaks to college audiences because it examines how each person’s sense of sexuality is developed. Hubbard explains, “We love who we love, and that doesn’t always follow the rules.”

Written in a contemporary style, Hubbard notes the play is more “like episodic TV, in the style of ‘Law and Order.’”

Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., “Stop Kiss” performances are Nov. 5-7 and Nov. 12-14 at 7 p.m. in CWU’s Milo Smith Tower Theatre. The show is approximately two hours, which includes an intermission. Ticket prices are $8 general admission, $7 seniors and non-CWU students and $5 CWU students with CWU ID.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.cwu.edu/~theatre or www.cwu.edu/~wildcattickets. To purchase tickets by phone with a credit card or for more information, call 509-963-1774. The box office is also open one hour prior to curtain, at 6 p.m., at the Milo Smith Tower Theatre box office. The play contains adult language, adult themes and nudity and is intended for mature audiences.

Media Contact: Leslee Caul, Central Theatre Ensemble, 509-963-1760, caull@cwu.edu

Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.