“Prelude To A Kiss” (Milwaukee) Reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** One of my favorite parts of attending a performance at the Milwaukee Rep is the prerecorded welcome by Artistic Director, Mark Clements. He invites theatergoers to “laugh, cry, exclaim – appropriately…” The message hits all the right notes (and includes a reminder to turn off all cell phones) and it sets a pleasant tone for an evening of entertainment. Usually this welcome doesn’t get much of a vocal reaction; I assume most are like me and take the familiar cue to smile and settle in (and double-check that my phone is, indeed, off). But the good-natured “ – appropriately…” line got quite a few laughs on Tuesday evening, likely because this production is taking stage at The Harris Theater at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, Wisconsin (due to current construction on the new and much-anticipated Associated Bank Theater Center in Milwaukee). It seems that Milwaukee Rep productions, complete with Clements’ warm welcome, might be a new experience for many in the Brookfield area, that the location may make such an experience more convenient for folks in Milwaukee suburbs. If this is the case, I expect that this World Premiere production of the musical Prelude to a Kiss will make many new fans of the Milwaukee Rep.

I believe that what the world needs now is love, sweet love, and this show does the trick. More than just a rom-com (as if anyone needs anything more), this musical has the audience laughing, gasping, and tapping their feet (I mean, I can’t imagine I was the only one tapping my feet). Some readers might know of Prelude to a Kiss in its play form (1988) or its film adaptation (1992) starring Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin. Having only learned about those earlier iterations after seeing the musical, I’m surprised by how fresh and contemporary this show is. This is an adaptation for our time, complete with numbers like “Love in the Age of Anxiety,” and some very self-aware lines during the first number of act II, “Happy Wife, Happy Life/Sing Along.” Prelude is full of wit and playful banter, expertly executed by an incredibly talented cast.

While I strolled about the lobby before the show, I eavesdropped on some conversations near the bar. A server raved about Caitlin Houlahan’s (Rita) voice – “amazing,” she said – and told a patron that the show was surprising. She wasn’t wrong on either account, which meant I was prepared for the talent but still stunned by the ease with which Houlahan and Chris McCarrell (Peter) perform. Every line is a beautiful blend of heart and harmony. And the chemistry isn’t reserved for just the two leads. The rest of the cast is wonderful – playful and sincere. Milwaukee-based actor Jonathan Gillard Daly (Julius) is perfectly cast and, without giving anything away, I have to say that I took full advantage of Clements’ permission to laugh (loudly) watching Daly try and curl up on a couch like a twenty-something. I’m additionally grateful for numbers that allow Julie Garnyé (Leah) and Keirsten Hodgens (Angie) to showcase their fabulously powerful voices.

I want to avoid a cliché, but I keep coming back to it: Prelude to a Kiss is a breath of fresh air; it’s easily invigorating.

★★★★★

Prelude to a Kiss runs now through October 19 at The Harris Theater at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, WI. (Area/location information below.)

Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Saturday, October 19 – 3 p.m. only)
Sundays – 2:30 p.m. (and 7 p.m., September 22, October 6)
Wednesdays – Fridays – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday matinees September 25, October 9 – 1:30 p.m.

Special performances include:
ASL Performance – Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m.
Talkbacks follow Wednesday matinees on September 25, October 9

Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com.

The show runs 2 hours and 25 minutes with one intermission.

The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center is located at 3270 Mitchell Park Drive in Brookfield, WI 53045. Getting there is easy and parking is a breeze, especially for folks used to navigating city traffic and parking. The area has plenty of fine dining options for those looking to make a full evening out of the experience. Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse and Parkside 23 come to mind. Additionally, there are plenty of familiar chain restaurants (Brookfield even has a Portillo’s).

Editor note: I have seen the original play several times, and each performance was wonderful. Having music added to it is just some “icing on the wedding cake” and I am going to find a way to get up to Milwaukee to see for myself.