Two people in love lightly kiss on a quiet walk home. For most, such a moment is careless and quiet. But for two women, Callie and Sarah, it leads to uncertainty and violence. From the upcoming American River College (ARC) Theater's production of "Stop Kiss," this scene of tentative affection is sure to spark one's own feelings of love and the natural fears surrounding it.

Directed by Tracy Martin-Shearer, "Stop Kiss" is a comic drama based around two women's lives as New Yorkers, their friendship, and the unexpected attraction that forms between them.

"It is a play about courage, commitment, love, and hate," says Director Martin-Shearer.

"Stop Kiss" is an award-winning Broadway play written by Diana Son, that is a humorous and engaging story, with unique scene sequences, skipping from before Callie and Sarah's kiss, to after.

"Irresistibly exciting...a sweet, sad, and enchantingly sincere play," wrote Ben Brantley of the New York Times.

The seven -member cast, all of whom are former or current ARC students, includes two actresses, Lisa Cotter and Karen Bombardier, who star as Callie and Sarah, and Christian Carr Jr., starring as George, Callie's boyfriend. The lead actresses, Cotter and Bombardier, have recently returned from Los Angeles studying theater and film to star in this highly coveted show.

"I read the play two years ago, and just fell in love with it," says Cotter.

The cast hopes to put on a great show that conveys the wittiness of the play, along with its deeper message.

"As long as we get people to think, whether it's positive or negative," says Bombardier.

Director Martin-Shearer also offers the play as "stimulating and entertaining," and that she "would like to challenge the ARC community to help support the play's beauty, message, and to come be entertained."

So come watch ARC's production of "Stop Kiss," and be prepared to revel in the sweet optimism of its cast and crew.