Love, violence, hate. Stop Kiss, the latest production at the Gilbert Theater, is the story of two women who in the aftermath of an unspeakable act of violence, grow closer and realize that their love is stronger than the hate the world has to offer.
Written by Diana Son, Stop Kiss, is a full-length comedic drama that jumps between the past and present to tell the heartwarming love story of Sara and Callie. Opening night for the production is Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m. with shows running March 21 through March 23, March 28 through 30, and April 4 through 6. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1206177 or at the Gilbert Theater box office located at 116 Green St. or by calling 910-678-7186.
Local seasoned stage manager, writer, theater teacher and Fayetteville Pride Festival Director, Brian Adam Kline is at the helm as director for this production. Kline is no stranger to the Gilbert, and this is his ninth production with the theater. Kline first started at the theater under the leadership of Robin Parrish in 2012.
“Matt Lamb, the interim Artistic Director, came to me and asked me if I wanted to come on for a show. I said yes. I was excited to be a part of it,” Kline said. As the director, one of the most important jobs is casting, and it was important to get this casting right.
“We did a really good job on finding the right people for the show. It’s made my job really easy because they do their homework. They come in, I might give them notes about where to stand and sit. The emotional arch that they reach, they come in prepared. You know they say that a lot of times when you have a really good cast, ninety percent of your job is already done. And that’s true with this show.”
The youthful and energetic cast are eager to bring Stop Kiss to the stage and tell this story of Queer love. Sydney Dukic, an Eastern Carolina University graduate and social studies teacher, is taking on one of the main character roles, Sara. Dukic has been away from the theater for a while and is elated to bring the character of Sara to life in her grand return to the stage and what better way to do that, than with a production like Stop Kiss?
“I think what drew me to audition for this particular role is the obvious of me just wanting to get back into the theater world, but also being as someone who is a part of the LBGTQ+ community, I just think that this is such an important story to share with the world, especially with everything going on today. I think it’s even more important and necessary,” Dukic said.
Sharing the stage with Dukic in the role of Callie is Greensboro College graduate Dina-Marie. New to the area, but not new to the stage, Dina-Marie brings with her time and experience with the Raleigh Little Theater. She is as equally committed to telling this story with authenticity and embodying the spirit of her character on stage.
“I just think that this is such an important story to share with the world… [I think] this story has just a beautiful and captivating way of saying such an important message. I’m very proud to be a part of it,” Dina-Marie said.
The whole cast was moved by the story and message of the script. They have each worked tirelessly to bring a moving and captivating show that will take the audience through a range of emotions.
“Even though the show is about a hate-fueled attack on two women, ultimately it is about queer love and it’s about queer love despite the hate… I want [people] to come and expect something joyful despite,” said Mackenzie Ulibarri who plays Mrs. Winsley. Stop Kiss is a complex story of love and how it exists alongside anger and sadness.
“It’s a powerful and moving play about connection, courage, pain, and love," said Kline.
Editor's note: Since the interview for this article, Matt Lamb has been named as the official Art Director for the Gilbert Theater.