Directed by Dewey Scott-Wiley, the play focuses on two young women who meet in New York and become friends and eventually lovers, despite the fact that both were previously involved in heterosexual relationships.

Because the play uses nonsequential scenes to present a nontraditional format, as well as a different relationship, the audience is left to determine what goes where as the story develops.

The play begins as a mild comedy with some funny lines as Callie, played by Pamela Vogel, and Sara, played by Kay Allmand, meet and get to know each other, but it quickly turns to tragedy as an act of violence changes not only the play but the women themselves.

The actors seemed a bit tentative, and performances were uneven at the beginning, but as the story intensified, so did the performances, and both women did a commendable job. Other characters, including the men the women were previously involved with, were almost cameos, so focused is the play on Callie and Sara and their relationship.

While some may be offended by the topic and the action, others will find it absorbing. The free format with scenes at various times and places creates interest and provides “flash-forwards,” as well as flashbacks.

A number of special effects were used between scenes, with music and lights creating the appearance of a video. Credits go to technical director Eric Rouse and lighting designer Robert Eubanks.

The set by Selena Kong was most attractive and effective, from leaves under a park bench to a modern New York apartment, all at different parts of the stage. Amanda Thompson created the wonderfully fluid costumes.

Stop Kiss plays through March 8. For a very different evening of theatre, call 7-2551 for reservations.

02/03