Emma Jordan-Scott and Andres Sanchez-Robinson portray Mary and John as 11 year olds in “First Kisses” at The Empty Space Theatre. Photo by Kayleigh Peaker

Ed Hughes and Joy Wheat portray John and Mary as 70 year olds in “First Kisses.” Photo by Kayleigh Peaker

By Thomas G. Robinson, Marketing Director for The Empty Space Theatre

I love a good romantic comedy. But while movies give you practiced and polished, make-no-mistake-about-it performances, live theater brings you a raw, what-mood-is-the-actor-in promise of a different show every night.

On stage, every moment is pertinent to the play. The characters and the lines they deliver are there for a reason. Because of that, you tend to listen a little more carefully. You get lost in what is being delivered to you. And, if it’s done well, you get to feel the highs and lows that the characters are going through. “First Kisses” is one of those plays.

Written in 2005 by Jay D. Hanagan, “First Kisses” explores the life-long relationship between John and Mary. They were born on the same day and grew up in the same town. They experienced their first kiss at the innocent age of 11, with the story following their lives well into their 70s.

Director Julie Jordan-Scott says the play is dear to her because the theme gives her a chance to create a living Valentine greeting for the town she calls home.

“I am a hopeless, and hopeful, romantic,” she said. “I fell in love with this piece when I saw the combination of romance and realism. The script doesn’t pull any punches. It isn’t saccharin; it is true.”

Justin Roney, who plays 14-year-old John, said, “When I was growing up, I had a secret place where I would meet my best friend, a girl who lived in the neighborhood. I love that ‘First Kisses’ includes a secret place where best friends visit over and over like I visited my friend. I can’t wait for her to see the show.”

Dawn Tyack, who plays 43-year-old Mary, said, “Seeing the show unfold has been so surprising. I didn’t realize how rich it would be to see so many actors portraying the same two people over their lives… But it really, really works.”

The show stars 18 different actors portraying the couple at eight different stages in their lives, with two of the actors, Angela Hanawalt and Josh Evans, constantly on stage, guiding you through the play as they, John and Mary, narrate their own lives for you. Their lives span from youthful 11 year olds (portrayed innocently by Andres Sanchez-Robinson and Emma Jordan-Scott), on to 21 year olds narrowly escaping a wrongful marriage (drunkenly portrayed by Eric Bracamante, and the sober Jessica Delcid), through to retired 70 year olds recuperating from a heart attack that almost ends one of their lives (lovingly portrayed by Ed Hughes and Joy Wheat). The audience witnesses the innocence of young love, a moment of confusion when John almost marries another, and later through the pains of a near affair.

The setting at The Empty Space Theatre is intimate and beautiful. There’s an incredible shack that John and Mary meet at throughout the years, beautifully designed and built by Cameron Brian, and a garden and hamster graveyard that brings them joy and pain. The scenery is almost as delightful as the actors’ portrayals of the two characters.

The show also stars Simone Wheat, Rickey Vierra, Katherine Scott, Jared Cantrell, Michelle Guerrero Tolley, Andy Tyack, Thomas G. Robinson and Jenny Babcock. Costumes were designed by Alison Martin. Sound design is by Craig Cook. James Hernandez is the stage manager and Natily Ray is the board of directors liaison.

“First Kisses” opened Valentine’s weekend and continues Feb. 19, 20, 26 and 27. All shows are at 8 p.m. The Empty Space Theatre is located at 706 Oak Street (behind Pizzaville), and runs solely on donations (suggested donation is $15 for adults and $10 for students). Call 327-PLAY for questions and reservations, or visit www.esonline.org for more information.