Missing/Kissing
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| Missing/Kissing | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by | John Patrick Shanley |
| Date premiered | March 2, 1996 |
| Place premiered | Actors Theatre of Louisville, Humana Festival of New American Plays |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Setting | Eli's apartment, a Thai restaurant |
Missing/Kissing is a double-bill of one-act plays by John Patrick Shanley, individually titled Missing Marisa and Kissing Christine.[1]
Originally premiering at the Actors Theatre of Louisville as part of the 20th annual Humana Festival of New American Plays, on March 2, 1996. Directed by Doug Hughes, the production featured Christopher Evan Welch, Laura Hughes, Elaine C. Bell, and Daniel Oreskes. The play had it's East Coast premiere with Phoenix Theatre Company in Purchase, NY on September 28, 1996. Directed by Maria Mileaf, the production featured Joe Golden, Jud Meyers, Pamela Gray, and Kira Madallo Sesay.[2]
Missing/Kissing made its Off-Broadway premiere with Primary Stages at the 45th Street Theatre on October 17, 1996. Directed by Shanley, the production featured Daniel Oreskes, Jake Weber, Laura Hughes, and Reiko Aylesworth.[3]
In Missing Marisa, two men, Terry and Eli, confront each other in the later's apartment over a woman they both love, Marisa. Formerly Eli's wife, Marisa left him for Terry but has since disappeared. Terry arrives seeking answers, while Eli remains evasive, and the two engage in a tense, circular conversation marked by rivalry for Marisa's affections. As they discuss Marisa and their shared past, it becomes clear that neither man can reclaim the romantic connection he has lost. A mysterious phone call—possibly from Marisa—goes unanswered, and the encounter ends with Terry accepting a gesture of hospitality from Eli before departing, still dissatisfied.
In Kissing Christine, Larry and Christine meet for a first date at a Thai restaurant. Their conversation reveals that both parties are emotionally adrift: Christine's appearance has been drastically altered from reconstructive surgery post a traumatic accident, while Larry is a married man who has recently separated from his wife and is struggling with loneliness. As they share their personal histories, they form an unexpected connection rooted in radical transparency. Through mutual vulnerability, the two being to bridge their seas of isolation, as the play concludes with a sweet, albeit tentative emotional connection, symbolized by a kiss.
Characters
Cast
| Role | Actors Theatre of Louisville, Lousville 1983 |
Phoenix Theatre, New York 1996 |
Primary Stages, New York 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eli | Daniel Oreskes | Jud Meyers | Daniel Oreskes |
| Larry/Terry | Christopher Evan Welch | Joe Golden | Jake Weber |
| Christine | Laura Hughes | Pamela Gray | Laura Hughes |
| Server | Elaine C. Bell | Kira Madallo Sesay | Reiko Aylesworth |
Productions
Actors Theatre of Louisville
Missing/Kissing had its World Premiere at the Actors Theatre of Louisville as part of the 20th annual Humana Festival of New American Plays, running from March 2 through March 30, 1996. Directed by Doug Hughes, the production featured Christopher Evan Welch, Laura Hughes, Elaine C. Bell, and Daniel Oreskes. The creative team included Paul Owen (sets), Jeanette deJong (costumes), T.J. Gerckens (lights), Michael Rasbury (sound), and Ron Riall (props).[4]
Phoenix Theatre
Missing/Kissing had its East Coast premiere with Phoenix Theatre Company at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, running from September 28 through October 13, 1996.Directed by Maria Mileaf, the production featured Joe Golden, Jud Meyers, Pamela Gray, and Kira Madallo Sesay. The creative team included Paul Owen (sets), Amela Baksic (costumes), Shawn K. Kaufman (lights), and Scott Stauffer (sound).[5]
Primary Stages
Missing/Kissing had its Off-Broadway premiere with Primary Stages, in association with producer Seth Gordon, at the 45th Street Theatre. Directed by Shanley, the cast featured Daniel Oreskes, Jake Weber, Laura Hughes, and Reiko Aylesworth. The creative team included Brad Stokes (sets), Laura Bauer (costumes), Brian Nason (lights), David Van Tieghem (original music & sound), and Sally Plass (props).[6]