A not-so-romantic comedy

NEW MILFORD — TheatreWorks New Milford will premiere Sarah’s Ruhl’s acclaimed comedy “Stage Kiss,” Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.

“Stage Kiss” is a highly theatrical, not-so-romantic comedy about two actors with a history who are thrown together as romantic leads in a forgotten 1930s melodrama. They quickly lose touch with reality as the story onstage follows them offstage. This is a charming tale about what happens when lovers share a stage kiss — or when actors share a real one.

“Sarah Ruhl is the quintessential female playwright of our time. Her writing is purposeful, poetic, graceful, and poignant,” says director Nina Agostine Smith of Waterbury.

The cast features Karin Elsesser of New Milford, David Macharelli of Waterbury, Matt McQuail of Newtown, J. Scott Williams of Brookfield, Rosie Koocher of Bronxville, NY, Richard Chad Frey of New Fairfield, and Klara Gribetz of White Plains, NY. The set was designed by Brandon Cook of Naugatuck and lighting designed by Dylan Dineen of Waterbury.

Stage Kiss runs Dec. 8-9, 15-17, 29-30, and Jan. 5-6. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on Dec. 17. Tickets for all shows are $23 for reserved seating. Students and Military personnel with ID will be admitted for $18.

On New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m., there will be one gala fundraising performance with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar of wine, beer, and soft drinks. Tickets for this event is $80.

On Thursday, Dec. 7, senior citizens are invited to a free dress rehearsal at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. is TheatreWorks’ Pay-What-You-Want night. At this performance, you name the price for your ticket. Reservations can be made online at theatreworks.us or by calling the box office at 860-350-6863.

TheatreWorks has been awarded “Best Small Theater in Connecticut” by Connecticut Magazine (2017) and is a recipient of the Northwest CT Arts Council CultureMAX Award (2017). It is a nonEquity theatre company located at 5 Brookside Avenue, just off Route 202 (next to the CVS), in New Milford. Parking is located behind the Catherine E. Lillis Administration Building at 50 East Street, New Milford.