MacIntyre Dixon (as the Old Man), Cassie Beck (as Rita), and Brian Sgambati (as Peter) in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of Prelude to a Kiss, playing May 14 — June 13, 2010 at the Boston University Theatre. Photo credit: T. Charles Erickson

By Erin Harper

Prelude to a Kiss, the current production at the Huntington Theatre Company, is one of those plays that sticks with us. In a few short hours, it reminds us of some important lessons—life is too short and moments are very valuable; it’s crucial that we cherish both.

There is nothing over-the-top about Craig Lucas’s script. While there is an element of the supernatural, its simplicity is what has made it stick since its premiere 22 years ago. Peter and Rita meet, fall in love and marry within a few short months. On their wedding day, however, an old man decides to kiss Rita and their souls exchange bodies.

It never really turns into a “love the one you’re with” type of story. Peter, despite some attempts, never accepts that the wife he is living with is the wife that he married. Instead, the play encourages its audience to fight to be with the one with whom we are meant to be. Even if it’s more complex than we sign up for, being with those who make us happy can outshine even the strangest of relationships.

The Huntington’s Artistic Director, Peter DuBois, has assembled an ideal cast, coupled with Scott Bradley’s marvelous set design. It’s simple to forget this is a play, because the sets switch so effortlessly from apartment to bar to the surroundings of a nighttime stroll.

If the story sounds familiar, it’s because Meg Ryan brought Rita to the big screen in the 1992 movie version; Alec Baldwin portrayed Peter. Boston’s version has Cassie Beck in the Rita role. While Beck clicks on stage instantly as a single city girl turned bride, it is not until Rita’s body is taken over by the Old Man’s soul that Beck is able to shine.

She incorporates all the mannerisms and quirks of the Old Man at such a steady clip, it’s no wonder that Peter grows more and more suspicious as time passes.

As Peter, Brian Sgambati narrates the story with ease. The audience never questions the love Peter feels for Rita, no matter where her soul lies. Beck and Sgambati interact so well that the eventual addition of the Old Man, portrayed by MacIntyre Dixon, only adds to their chemistry. As the Old Man, Dixon conveys the morals of the story while adding a light touch of humor to the role of a woman trapped in an old man’s body. The audience understands more and more why Peter wants so desperately to love the soul of his bride.

The interesting twist in Lucas’s script is that it does not affect a couple who take each other for granted. Peter and Rita seem truly happy. Peter’s belief that he’s lost Rita helps the audience to root for him that much more to get her soul back in her body.

Prelude to a Kiss falls somewhere between myth and illusion. By the end, the questions “How” and “Why” are less relevant than they are at the beginning. But one thing is clear: it is true what people say—sometimes, a kiss really can change everything.

Prelude to a Kiss plays through June 13. Tickets are $20 to $82.50.

Erin Harper has written for The Fenway News since she was a Northeastern student. She works at the Reggie Lewis Sports Center at Roxbury Community College.