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World Premiere Event
Presented by David Kundert

Prelude to a Kiss a musical

September 10 – October 19, 2024

Book by Craig Lucas
Music by Daniel Messé

Lyrics by Sean Hartley & Daniel Messé

Based on the play by Craig Lucas

Directed by Kenneth Ferrone

The Harris Theater | Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts

Co-production with South Coast Repertory

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes with one intermission
Recommended Age: 16 and up


Just one kiss can change everything

This hit romantic comedy soars to new heights in a World Premiere musical that refreshes and elevates its fairy tale love story. When Peter and Rita are approached by a mysterious guest at their storybook wedding, the boundaries of true love are tested, taking them on a fantastic journey of self-discovery. Adapted from the Tony-nominated play by Broadway great Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza, American in Paris) that also inspired the 1992 hit film of the same name, and with a breathtaking score by Daniel Messé (Amélie) and Sean Hartley (Little Women the Musical), you’ll love this powerfully moving musical that gives the phrase “for better or worse” new meaning.


Corporate Sponsor

Media Sponsor

A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production

Executive Producers
Melanie & Steve Booth • Andrea & Tony Bryant • Michael G. Carter • Sandy & Bill Haack

Associate Producers
Dr. Eric Durant & Scott Swickard • Kerryann Haase Minton & Joe Minton
Diane & Clark Slipher

Equipment Sponsor
Studio Gear

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Reviews

“A delightful fable of love… dazzling.”
“Joyous, heartfelt… lots of laughter. A shimmering love story.”
Prelude gets a thumbs up… enchanting, funny, and wholly romantic.”
Milwaukee Magazine
“Winsome… a top-notch cast. Glides from song to song.”
“Milwaukee’s own Jonathan Gillard Daly has a home-run performance.”
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Big Production, big voices… always entertaining.”
“A potent musical sung with superior charm.”
UrbanMilwaukee
“Caitlin Houlahan… and Chris McCarrell… elevate the songs with their vocal prowess.”
Shepherd Express
“A gem in contemporary musicals.”
“Music and mystery produce magic.”
“Wonderful theater… savor every moment.”
An Intuitive Perspective
★★★★★
“Fresh and contemporary.”
“An incredibly talented cast.”
“Fabulously powerful voices.”
Around The Town Chicago

Cast

Headshot photo of Andrew Montgomery Coleman*
Andrew Montgomery Coleman*
Taylor
Headshot photo of Jonathan Gillard Daly*
Jonathan Gillard Daly*
Julius
Headshot photo of Julie Garnyé*
Julie Garnyé*
Leah
Headshot photo of Bella Hicks*
Bella Hicks*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of Keirsten Hodgens*
Keirsten Hodgens*
Angie
Headshot photo of Caitlin Houlahan*
Caitlin Houlahan*
Rita
Headshot photo of Rachel Lykins
Rachel Lykins
Swing
Headshot photo of Chris McCarrell*
Chris McCarrell*
Peter
Headshot photo of James Moye*
James Moye*
Rita's Dad
Headshot photo of Caroline Pernick*
Caroline Pernick*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of Scott Redmond*
Scott Redmond*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of Marcel Werder
Marcel Werder
Swing
Headshot photo of Robert Zelaya*
Robert Zelaya*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of Karen Ziemba*
Karen Ziemba*
Rita's Mom
×
Headshot photo of
Andrew Montgomery Coleman*
Taylor
Headshot photo of
Jonathan Gillard Daly*
Julius
Headshot photo of
Julie Garnyé*
Leah
Headshot photo of
Bella Hicks*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of
Keirsten Hodgens*
Angie
Headshot photo of
Caitlin Houlahan*
Rita
Headshot photo of
Rachel Lykins
Swing
Headshot photo of
Chris McCarrell*
Peter
Headshot photo of
James Moye*
Rita's Dad
Headshot photo of
Caroline Pernick*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of
Scott Redmond*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of
Marcel Werder
Swing
Headshot photo of
Robert Zelaya*
Ensemble
Headshot photo of
Karen Ziemba*
Rita's Mom

Creative Team

Craig Lucas
Book
Daniel Messé
Music & Lyrics, Arranger
Sean Hartley
Lyrics
Kenneth Ferrone
Director
David Ivers
Original Direction
Wiley DeWeese
Music Director, Arranger
Julia Rhoads
Choreographer
Scott Davis
Scenic Designer
Linda Cho
Co-Costume Designer
Herin Kaputkin
Co-Costumer Designer
Marcus Doshi
Co-Lighting Designer
Maximo Grano De Oro
Co-Lighting Designer
Andrea Allmond
Sound Designer
Yana Biryukova
Co-Projections Designer
Yee Eun Nam
Co-Projections Designer
Greg Pliska
Orchestrations
Andy Knight
Dramaturg
Kim Martin-Cotten
Associate Director
Nick Kassoy
Associate Music Director
Jordon Cunningham
Copyist
Geoff Josselson, CSA
Casting
Joanne DeNaut, CSA
Additional Casting
Jonathan Hetler
Additional Casting
Mark Johnson*
Stage Manager
Terence Orleans Alexander*
Stage Manager 10/15-10/19
Kira Neighbors*
Assistant Stage Manager
Jessica Krol
Stage Management Resident
Avery Regan
Associate Lighting Designer
Laura Braza
Line Producer
×
Craig Lucas
Book
Daniel Messé
Music & Lyrics, Arranger
Sean Hartley
Lyrics
Kenneth Ferrone
Director
David Ivers
Original Direction
Wiley DeWeese
Music Director, Arranger
Julia Rhoads
Choreographer
Scott Davis
Scenic Designer
Linda Cho
Co-Costume Designer
Herin Kaputkin
Co-Costumer Designer
Marcus Doshi
Co-Lighting Designer
Maximo Grano De Oro
Co-Lighting Designer
Andrea Allmond
Sound Designer
Yana Biryukova
Co-Projections Designer
Yee Eun Nam
Co-Projections Designer
Greg Pliska
Orchestrations
Andy Knight
Dramaturg
Kim Martin-Cotten
Associate Director
Nick Kassoy
Associate Music Director
Jordon Cunningham
Copyist
Geoff Josselson, CSA
Casting
Joanne DeNaut, CSA
Additional Casting
Jonathan Hetler
Additional Casting
Mark Johnson*
Stage Manager
Terence Orleans Alexander*
Stage Manager 10/15-10/19
Kira Neighbors*
Assistant Stage Manager
Jessica Krol
Stage Management Resident
Avery Regan
Associate Lighting Designer
Laura Braza
Line Producer

* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

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