Being Human

Stop Kiss – Pride Films & Plays

Callie and Sara are two young women living in 1998 New York City. They meet, become good friends and eventually fall for each other in this 90-minute serio-comedy, by Diana Son. A sweetly touching love story, this winner of the GLAAD Media Award for Best New York Production, is told through a series of non-chronological scenes, tragically interrupted by a horrible act of violence that sends Sara into a coma. While the audience, thankfully, is spared witnessing the actual brutal attack, Callie vividly describes the unprovoked viciousness and inhumanity to other characters, including a Detective assigned to the case. 

Callie is a spunky New Yorker, living in an inherited, rent-controlled apartment in the West Village. She works in an uninspiring job as an traffic reporter, flying high above the Big Apple in a helicopter. By night, Callie occasionally spends the night with George, her bartender friend-with-benefits, and blowing off steam with her female friends in several of the Village’s trendy lesbian clubs. Her life is disorganized and pretty mundane—that is, until Callie chances to meet Sara.

Sara has arrived in New York City from a more sheltered life in St. Louis. She’s won a fellowship to teach third grade in a rough elementary school in the Bronx, and is excited to be able to make a difference with her eager students. Forced to share an apartment with a young couple who don’t like cats, Sara is forced to board her pet with Callie. Upon meeting, Callie sees something fresh and exciting about this enthusiastic young lady, a younger, somewhat naive midwestern transplant, who might benefit from a more experienced friend and mentor to show her around New York. What transpires between Callie and Sara is a lovely, unexpected romance.

Nicely directed by Kanome Jones in the intimate Buena Theatre, who makes excellent use of Jessica Baldinger’s multipurpose scenic design. She’s crafted a captivating story about the nature of love and trust between two people who discover they need each other. One of Ms. Jones’ finest, most movingly directed scenes is quiet and beautifully intimate. It shows Callie’s acceptance to “be the one” to take care of Sara, carefully and painfully dressing the battered, wheelchair-bound body of her girlfriend with love. It’s a stunning moment that will stay with theatergoers long after the final curtain.

Callie is exquisitely portrayed by lovely Flavia Pallozzi. This is her story and she’s incredible in this role, as she journeys from an intrigued buddy to a deeply committed lover. As Sara, Kylie Anderson is full of boundless spirit, optimism and energy. While sometimes appearing a little too young for this role, Kylie creates a likable character and contrast to Ms. Pallozzi. The supporting cast is excellent, with Sheila Landahl superb, both as Mrs. Winsley, a reluctant witness to the crime, and as an empathetic hospital nurse. George, played with macho enthusiasm by Shane Novoa Rhoades, is realistic and makes a good foil for Callie and Sara’s budding relationship. And handsome Joe Faifer is terrific, both as Peter, Sara’s ex-boyfriend from St. Louis, and as a no-nonsense Detective Cole.

This often comic drama shouldn’t be dismissed as “another lesbian play.” It’s a heartfelt story about being human, learning to let go and fall for someone who may just be your soulmate. This is a must-see production to kick off a new year at Pride Films and Plays.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Co-presented January 15-February 9 by Arc Theatre and Pride Films & Plays at the Buena, 4147 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the door, by calling 866-811-4111 or 773-857-0222 or by going to www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.