Over the last few years, the members of The Actor's Speakeasy have provided Auburn with some of the best, and least seen theater performances in central New York.
Photo illustration by Jason Rearick / The Citizen
Matthew House bets on casino night
Matthew House bets on casino night
Toiling in relative obscurity, the group, originally called Chimera, has staged stunning productions of “Extremities,” “A Tuna Christmas,” “Amadeus” and the one-act companion plays “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star.”
Each one was a tour de force of acting and direction and none was seen by more than a handful of people on any given night.
That should end with its production of Diana Son's “Stop Kiss” at the Auburn Public Theater this weekend.
“Stop Kiss” tells the story of Sara and Callie, two straight women in their late 20s who, as they talk about their lives, find they are falling in love.
Overcoming their fears, they finally kiss. But the public expression of feeling is met with a violent reaction from a disturbed onlooker.
Michelle Foytek, who plays a detective investigating the violence, feels strongly about the value of the play.
“It's a terrific study in story telling. On one hand you have a deep friendship progressing rapidly between two friends, validating the true nature of love. Conversely, it results in a brutal crime which holds up a mirror to show us how vicious and intolerant humans can be,” Foytek said.
James Cantu, producing director of the group, was drawn to the play as well.
“‘Stop Kiss' is about love, not stereotypes or labels,” Cantu said. “Two people fall in love, what better story can you share? This show is perfect for the Speakeasy. It's fun, it's edgy and it has a relevant point.”
Kim Boler, who directs, said the play has a unique quality that audiences have found particularly compelling.
“It's one of the few plays where the objective of the leading characters coincides with those of the audience. You really get invested in these women's lives and want to see how deeply their relationship will progress. It results in a powerful and cathartic experience,” she said.
“Stop Kiss” features Jessica Cantu and Lisa Myers as Callie and Sara, with Foytek, Carole Estebrook, Michael Antico, Kevin Alves and Katie Swimm.
CCC Theater professor Robert Frame has created the light-
ing design for the play and
Sarah B. Brown designed the settings.
The group plans three more productions, one each month, through April.
February 23, 24 and 25 they will present a pair of one-act plays, “Autobahn” and “Match.” March 30, 31 and April 1 will feature the one acts “Crash” and “Criminal Minds.”
All four one-act plays will be directed by Jason Pikscher. April 27, 28 and 29 James Cantu will direct “The Balcony Scene” by Wil Calhoun.
The Actor's Speakeasy production of “Stop Kiss” is recommended for adult audiences.
If you go
What: “Stop Kiss”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Auburn Public Theater, Genesee Street, Auburn
For details: Call 253-6669
Each one was a tour de force of acting and direction and none was seen by more than a handful of people on any given night.
That should end with its production of Diana Son's “Stop Kiss” at the Auburn Public Theater this weekend.
“Stop Kiss” tells the story of Sara and Callie, two straight women in their late 20s who, as they talk about their lives, find they are falling in love.
Overcoming their fears, they finally kiss. But the public expression of feeling is met with a violent reaction from a disturbed onlooker.
Michelle Foytek, who plays a detective investigating the violence, feels strongly about the value of the play.
“It's a terrific study in story telling. On one hand you have a deep friendship progressing rapidly between two friends, validating the true nature of love. Conversely, it results in a brutal crime which holds up a mirror to show us how vicious and intolerant humans can be,” Foytek said.
James Cantu, producing director of the group, was drawn to the play as well.
“‘Stop Kiss' is about love, not stereotypes or labels,” Cantu said. “Two people fall in love, what better story can you share? This show is perfect for the Speakeasy. It's fun, it's edgy and it has a relevant point.”
Kim Boler, who directs, said the play has a unique quality that audiences have found particularly compelling.
“It's one of the few plays where the objective of the leading characters coincides with those of the audience. You really get invested in these women's lives and want to see how deeply their relationship will progress. It results in a powerful and cathartic experience,” she said.
“Stop Kiss” features Jessica Cantu and Lisa Myers as Callie and Sara, with Foytek, Carole Estebrook, Michael Antico, Kevin Alves and Katie Swimm.
CCC Theater professor Robert Frame has created the light-
ing design for the play and
Sarah B. Brown designed the settings.
The group plans three more productions, one each month, through April.
February 23, 24 and 25 they will present a pair of one-act plays, “Autobahn” and “Match.” March 30, 31 and April 1 will feature the one acts “Crash” and “Criminal Minds.”
All four one-act plays will be directed by Jason Pikscher. April 27, 28 and 29 James Cantu will direct “The Balcony Scene” by Wil Calhoun.
The Actor's Speakeasy production of “Stop Kiss” is recommended for adult audiences.
If you go
What: “Stop Kiss”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Auburn Public Theater, Genesee Street, Auburn
For details: Call 253-6669
