April 10-19, 2025

An NYC love story told out of order.

Sparks fly when Callie, a savvy West Village traffic reporter, meets Sara, an elementary teacher new from St. Louis. As Callie grapples with deepening feelings, a jealous bartender friend and Sara’s devoted ex resurface, and an act of violence threatens to completely disrupt this narrative that jumps back and forth in time. Prepare to unravel a story where every scene, every relationship, and every heartbeat makes you wonder: what truth are you willing to live out?

Stop Kiss
by Diana Son

Weekend 1

Thursday, April 10th at 7:30pm (Meet the Director 6:15pm)
Friday, April 11th at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 12th at 2pm & 7:30pm (NC Psych Event 6:15pm)
Sunday, April 13th at 3:30pm (Cast Talkback post-show)

Weekend 2

Friday, April 18th at 7:30pm (LGBT Center discussion 6:15pm)
Saturday, April 19th at 2pm & 7:30pm

Do you have a Full Season or Pick 3 membership? Just email or call Melissa to pick your performance!

Content Advisory:

Stop Kiss features mature language and situations including homophobia and homophobic language, sexism, onstage costume changes, and detailed discussions about a hate crime which is not depicted onstage.

Events

Thursday, April 10 at 6:15pm
Meet the Director
featuring Noelle Azarelo

Before the show starts on opening night, enjoy some free celebratory bubbly and bites as Noelle shares additional insight on the show!

Saturday, April 12 at 6:15pm
”When Love Hurts: Trauma from Those We Trust”
with Neil Barry PhD.

Neil Barry PhD is a clinical psychologist who has been in practice in Wake County for over 30 years. He specializes in trauma, couples therapy, and police psychology.

We often think of "Big T" Trauma as resulting from physical violence or an accident or natural disaster, but what if Trauma comes from the subtle words and actions of the people someone is closest to? These emotional scars can affect us for our entire lives. Members of the LGBTQ+ community often experience this in the form of rejection by loved ones when they come out to them. Psychologist Neil Barry will discuss "Little T" trauma vs "Big T" Trauma, how these experiences can impact our lives going forward, and give audience members some thoughts and ideas to look out for in "Stop Kiss".

Sunday, April 13 post-show
Cast Talkback with the Cary Playwrights Forum!

Gain additional insight after the show from the Cary Playwrights Forum and members of the creative team on how the script shapes this unique, out-of-order show.

Friday, April 18 pre-show
”Communities of Action: Queer Allyship in 2025”

Before the performance, join us for a timely conversation about what it means to support the LGBTQ+ community in today’s social and political climate.

Kori Hennessey (they/them), Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh, will share insight into the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face right now, what true allyship looks like, and how the Center is creating space, support, and advocacy for queer folks in the Triangle and beyond.

Whether you're part of the community or a friend who wants to help, this discussion offers meaningful ways to listen, learn, and take action.

Meet the Cast & Artistic Team

  • Laurel Ullman

    as Sara

  • Elizabeth Galbraith

    as Callie

  • Nick Popio

    as George

  • Nat Sherwood

    as Peter

  • Jakyia Barnes

    as Mrs. Winsley/Nurse

  • Jay Zadeh

    as Detective Cole

  • Noelle Azarelo

    Director

  • Yamila Monge

    Stage Manager

  • Jim Azarelo

    Set Designer

  • Kelly Caniglia

    Costume Designer

  • Cory Arnold

    Lighting Designer

  • Juan Isler

    Sound Designer

  • Veronica Dress

    Intimacy Coordinator

  • Julianna Frasca

    Props Designer

  • Ruth A. Berry

    Assistant Director

  • Lindsey Wyatt

    Run Crew

  • David White

    Run Crew