review: prelude to a kiss..

by gordin & christiano

The Broadway revival of Prelude to a Kiss, the romantic comedy by Craig Lucas now being presented by Roundabout Theatre Company under Daniel Sullivan’s direction, is quite pleasant. The play was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1990 and made its world premiere Off-Broadway at the Circle Repertory. That production turned Alec Baldwin, opposite Mary-Louise Parker, into a star and then moved to Broadway, where Timothy Hutton replaced Mr. Baldwin. In 1992, Mr. Lucas adapted the play into a successful feature film with Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin that many people remember fondly.

Mr. Lucas is an award-winning playwright and director who has given us, amongst others, Small Tragedy, Reckless, and The Dying Gaul. His plays often possess a quirky kind of charm that can be most beguiling. He wrote the book for the hit musical The Light in the Piazza a couple of seasons ago, and has penned several screenplays as well, including The Secret Lives of Dentists and Longtime Companion.

In a flurry of short scenes at the beginning of Prelude to a Kiss, we witness the whirlwind courtship of Peter and Rita (Annie Parisse and Alan Tudyk), a young couple that seem perfect for each other. We see how the odd parts of their respective personalities compliment one another, culminating in their quick engagement. On the day of their storybook wedding, a frail old man (John Mahoney) crashes the wedding and wanders among the quests. When he comes upon the bride and kisses her on the mouth, a transmigration of souls occurs. The young bride’s soul moves into the old man’s dying body (he has been give a year to live) and the man wanders off. The sick old man’s soul moves into the vibrant body of the newly wed Rita, who departs with her new husband Peter for a two-week honeymoon. Complications arise as Peter begins to realize that something is not right with Rita – her lovable, odd quirks seem to have disappeared. The two begin to bicker. Lucas uses this premise and Peter’s attempts to unravel the puzzling dilemma as the basis for a heartwarming love story.

Annie Parisse and Alan Tudyk are strong stage actors that have appeared in both film and television. Ms. Parisse is well known for her recurring role as a beautiful district attorney on “Law & Order.” Mr. Tudyk is probably best known for his part in the hit cult film, Serenity. Although Mr. Tudyk has all-American good looks, neither he nor Ms. Parisse has the requisite charisma or chemistry to make onstage magic.

They apparently haven’t been helped to any great degree by Daniel Sullivan’s serviceable, but pedestrian, direction. The charming idiosyncrasy necessary to lift the evening isn’t there. Yes, we have a good time and there are many fun moments, but we are never enchanted by, or fully invested in, the unfolding events.

John Mahoney is a Tony-Award-winning actor best known to television audiences as Martin Crane for his eleven years on the NBC hit sitcom “Frasier.” His performance here is a delight as he wanders about in a befuddled state. He and Mr. Tudyk produce some wonderful work during a tender scene where the two men struggle to adjust to their awkward situation, coming together for a loving kiss.

As Rita’s parents, who don’t seem to notice any change in their daughter, Robin Bartlett and James Rebhorn are very good. Ms. Bartlett brings a saucy quality to her role as the mother and the two actors make winning, memorable contributions to the production.

The minimalist set by Santo Loquasto flows beautifully from one scene to the next, giving a nice focus to the evening.

Prelude to a Kiss opened on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), on March 8, 2007. Tickets are available by calling Roundabout Ticket Services at 212-719-1300, online at www.roundabouttheatre.org or at the theatre box office.

Gordin & Christiano are theater critics. Barry Gordin is an internationally renowned photographer. They can be reached at bg6@verizon.net.