The critically acclaimed play Stop Kiss will be performed at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre in Moline, IL on June 9-11 and June 16-18, 2023.
Written by playwright Diana Son, the story follows Callie and Sara, two young women living in New York City who are subjected to an attack by an angry bystander after they share their first kiss. Eschewing a straight timeline, the story unfolds through glimpses of their individual lives as well as the efforts of Peter, Sara’s ex-boyfriend, and George, Callie’s close friend to help them. The play contains plenty of surprising comedic elements, despite the difficult themes of violence against women and the LGBTQ+ community. “A poignant and funny play about the ways, both sudden and slow, that lives can change irrevocably,” says Variety.
Listen to the conversation here with Jaren Michelle (Callie) and McKenna Coskie (Sara) about how they have come to understand and connect with their individual characters, the joy of acting in a debut stage work production in the Quad Cities, and the essential role that community theatre plays within a vibrant society.
The Playcrafters Barn Theatre is located at 4950 38th St. in Moline. Performances will be Fri & Sat June 9-10 and June 16-17 at 7:30 pm, and Sun June 11 & 18 at 3pm. Tickets can be obtained online. Stop Kiss is directed by Erika Seabloom and is rated R.
