Those three little words, Feb 9, 2007

Prelude to a Kiss Wed–Sat, Feb 14–17, 8pm, Sun, Feb 18, 2pm & 6pm Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50A, 100/50 pesos

“I love you.” For as long as anyone can remember, those three little words, in

that exact order, have probably been spoken, whispered, shouted and written

in more languages, in more contexts, and in more songs and poems than any

other three words in history.

Those three little words have probably had more impact on life among humankind than any other phrase. They are as much a part of the human condition as any other aspect of our being.

From Adam and Eve, Abelard and Eloise and Romeo and Juliet to the latest romantic novel or Hollywood love story, the words “I love you” are centerpieces of our daily lives. Writers from all parts of the world have tried to explore, explain, define and describe the concept of love and romance, its joys and sadness, its sense of urgency and stress, but mostly how it affects all of us in the here and now.


So it is with Craig Lucas’s beautifully written comedy Prelude to a Kiss, presented by Players Workshop and opening, appropriately, on Valentine’s Day.

We’re all familiar with the traditional formula for romantic comedy in plays and films: boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, and they marry and live happily ever after. Well, in Prelude to a Kiss boy does meet girl, and yes, they do fall in love and marry; but what happens between that and living happily ever after is an enigma wrapped in a mystery.

It would be unfair to give too much away in describing exactly what happens with Peter and Rita, the star-crossed lovers in this play. Suffice it to say that their journey toward “happily ever after” takes a hard left turn onto a bumpy road not found on any map.

Lucas cleverly and humorously explores the words of the wedding vows, words we often take for granted: “to love, honor and cherish, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health.” The result is a quirky yet decidedly rewarding experience.

Prelude to a Kiss runs for six performances. Tickets will go on sale in the Biblioteca patio on February 6 from 10:30am to 1pm and at the Theater office from 4 to 7pm.

And don’t forget that in honor of their 25th anniversary and 100th production, the Players Workshop Valentine to San Miguel includes a gala opening night party following the performance in the Santa Ana Café, also in the Biblioteca. This party is for opening night audience members, who will have the opportunity to eat, drink and celebrate with the cast after the play. 

Also to celebrate the anniversary, the “Prelude” cast will present roses and chocolates to two lucky ticket holders after each performance.

A Man for All Seasons final performances

A Man for All Seasons
Fri, Feb 9, 7:30pm
Sun, Feb 11, 2pm & 7:30pm
Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50A
100 pesos

The prize-winning drama A Man for All Seasons will have three final performances this weekend at the Santa Ana Theater in the Biblioteca Pública. Shows will be at 7:30pm on Friday, February 9, and at 2pm and 7:30pm on Sunday, February 11. Tickets are 100 pesos and are available in the Biblioteca patio and at the door prior to performances.

Love Letters in full bloom

Love Letters
Feb 9–Feb 25
Thurs–Sat, 8pm; Sun, 4pm
Villa Jacaranda, Aldama 53
125 pesos/250 pesos with dinner

Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years. Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” 

While Andy is off at war, Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, becomes involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the US Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually, she and Andy become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. 

However, Andy’s last letter, written to Melissa’s mother, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant and gave to each other over the years. Though physically apart for most of their lives, spiritually they were close as only true lovers can be.