'Stop Kiss' Next at Asolo Conservatory

SARASOTA -- In Stop Kiss, two young women in New York spend a quiet evening together talking about their boyfriends and life. In the process, as they sense a growing, unspoken attraction for each other, an innocent kiss results in a savage gay-bashing, beginning a complex story about hatred, love and the difficulties of living life to its fullest.

"This is an extraordinarily tender and moving play about love, loss, ignorance and acceptance," says Greg Leaming, director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. "It shows both the brutal and nurturing side of humanity without a trace of sentimentality."

The production will be directed by Matthew Arbour, who says: “One of my favorite things about this play is how it insists that we strive for an authentic life, a life true to ourselves. And how, for all the risks and pitfalls we encounter doing that, it is by accepting, embracing and taking responsibility for who and what and how we love, that makes sure love wins in the end. It’s such a moving and often funny journey and the roles couldn’t be better suited for the talents of the Asolo Conservatory class.”

Lucy Lavely, Jefferson McDonald, Tori Grace Hines and Cale Haupert in Stop Kiss; photo by Frank Atura

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training presents Stop Kiss by Diana Son, February 19-March 10, 2013, at the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $29 evenings; $28 matinees. Students receive 50 percent off with advance ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Rep’s box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000. Pay What You Can Night: On Tuesday, February 19, 7:30 p.m., audience members are invited to attend a production of Stop Kiss and pay whatever they can afford for their ticket. These special tickets are available on day of performance only.

Stop Kiss runs February 19-March 10, 2013, at the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Productions are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29 evenings; $28 matinees. Students receive 50 percent off with advance ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Rep’s box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000.

Pay What You Can Series: On Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 7:30 p.m., audience members are invited to attend a production of Stop Kiss and pay what they can afford for their ticket. These special tickets are available on day of performance only.