Stop Kiss brings together heartbreak and romance to spin the tale of lovers who were victimized by a hate crime. The play steps into the lives of two women who choose to love despite the odds stacked against them. This is a production that powerfully reflects modern society, the way people view LGBTQ+ relationships, and the objectification of women.
Written by Diana Son in 1998, the story follows Callie (Missy Maramara), a cynical traffic reporter in New York, and Sara (Jenny Jamora), an idealistic elementary school teacher who just moved into town. They progress from strangers to lovers in tender, everyday moments—until one night out, when Callie and Sara finally kiss. This display of affection triggers a bigoted man’s brutal attack, leaving one of them badly injured and the other in a coma.
Though the plot may seem simple, its narrative is presented in a unique fashion—with events before and after the assault interspersed. These unconventional transitions leave viewers curious, craving to know more about how a simple kiss affected the protagonists’ lives. Scenes go from amusing to sorrowful, or from despairing to loving one after the other. The shifts between these emotional extremes keep the audience engaged without giving away too much at once.
It is not the first time Maramara and Jamora have graced the stage together for Stop Kiss. Back in 2003, Maramara played Sara while Jamora played Callie. As the former steps into Callie’s role now, Maramara displays her emotional prowess as she easily switches from a joyful friend to a tearful lover. Similarly, Jamora’s vulnerability as Sara shines through her forlorn facial expressions and woeful tone. With these, she helps develop the tension in the emotional scenes between Callie and Sara.
Both actresses command the stage without overpowering the other to portray a budding romance. They demonstrate how Callie and Sara grow and mature together: Their personalities blend as the more vulnerable side of Callie comes out and Sara opens up about herself. As their love story unfolds, the rest of the cast also bring their narrative to life within a larger social structure. Detective Cole (Robbie Guevara), Mrs. Winsley (Jay Valencia-Glorioso), George (Tarek El Tayech), and Peter (Gabe Mercado) all bring their wit to the stage with delivery that frames them as witnesses, supporters, or skeptics of the two women’s plight.
Callie and Sara’s experiences play out on a modest set, which is its own brand of immersive. Although there are few props on stage, the bright pink background and black sliding panel are more than enough to catch one’s attention. Simple yet modern costumes help distinguish the characters: Flowing clothes and lighter colors to represent Callie versus darker, form-hugging wardrobe for Sara. These understated elements allow the characters themselves to shine.
Stop Kiss is a timely production that requires heavy emotional staging for its gripping message. This is an important story in a period when more attention is being drawn to women’s rights—as not only is it about queer love, but discrimination against all genders. When all is said and done, Callie and Sara show us how love remains the most powerful tool one can wield in the midst of hardship and inner turmoil.
Photos by Aldo Santiago