Prelude to a Kiss takes to the stage Feb. 10-13 at MLP

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse at Centenary College opens their newest production, Prelude to a Kiss by Craig Lucas. This fast paced romantic comedy takes the time to examine the inevitable complexities of a life-long relationship as it invites us to see "life again from the other side of the mirror."

Prelude

The show will open Thursday, Feb. 10 and run for one weekend only with performances taking place February 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and close with a matinee on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.

Standard ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, $10 for children under 12 and non-Centenary College students, and free for Centenary College faculty, staff and students. Tickets can be purchased at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, located off the Woodlawn Ave. beginning February 7 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations can also be made by calling the box office at 318.869.5242.

The play follows a whirlwind romance through a young couple's meeting, wedding and a bizarre twist of fate that tests the newly minted vows of their marriage... and their sanity. At the center of this grown-up fairy tale is the likable everyman, Peter, played by Josh Rabalais. Peter shares with us all the details of how he comes to fall in love with a free spirited bartender named Rita, played by Emily Slazer, and how an Old Man, played by Centenary professor Dr. David Bieler, turns the couple's world inside-out. Along the way we meet Peter's kooky, suburban in-laws, portrayed by Donnovan Roe and Lauren Morrison; his flamboyant best friend Taylor, played by Barry James Acosta; Marion Paton and Meghan Horan as Rita's delightfully off-beat wedding guests Uncle Fred and Aunt Dorothy; Sandy Rather as the Minister; Natasha Sebeyran plays the Old Man's daughter, Leah, and Erika Lunsford is Rita's co-worker, Tammy.

Co-directed by Centenary College seniors Destin Bass and Scott Gibbs, Prelude To A Kiss is being staged in a black-box configuration to create an intimate environment for the play. The writer asks the audience to take an imaginary leap of faith impossible to avoid when the audience is immersed in the physical world of the story. Set in such close quarters the production relies heavily on the actors to transport the audience into settings varying from a bar in New York to poolside in Jamaica.

Rounding out the production team is the lighting designer Josh Johnson, sound designer Pete DeCuir and props master Daniel Proveaux.

For more information on the play or upcoming performances at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, call 318.869.5242

TO GO

What: "Prelude to a Kiss"
When: February 10/11/12 at 8 p.m.; February 13 at 2 p.m.
Where: Marjorie Lyons Playhouse
Admission: $15 adults; $12 seniors and military; $10 for children under 12 and non-Centenary students; free for Centenary College students, faculty and staff
Info: 318.869.5242

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 373 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.