Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Deeply dramatic, intense and emotional. Susan is a student who needs tutoring and Todd is a professor who is about to be married. She arrives for a short SAT tutoring session – or so he thinks. Susan has a very different agenda. The mystery of their past begins to unfold. This is a striking play where the story explores the consequences of not having in-person connections, and how two people try to navigate similar traumatic life events.
This world premiere inaugural production on Ruskin Group Theatre’s Audre Stage, at their new arts center, is the second production at the new building. Although capacity is 60 seats, half the seats were removed for Blue Kiss, creating more intimacy in a space that feels like a teacher’s small home office. A perfect play to be performed in that little theatre. Sitting in the first row is literally sitting in somebody’s living space.
Beautifully directed by Mike Reilly and set in the present day, this thriller-like drama signals a commitment to daring storytelling, which takes us deep into wondering how it will finish.
Carolina Rodriguez (student), and Casey Morris (professor) both show incredible power as actors. They have a bright future in front of them if they continue a career in acting. They expose their emotions freely. Bravo!
As the story unfolds, the audience finds out that Susan may have a relationship with somebody who is close to Todd. The conversation eventually reveals the connection and the drama of it.
Kids like to play tricks on each other, and that’s where the tragedy strikes in Todd’s family. Just like one of the stories from Greek mythology, it’s kind of a modern-day Greek tragedy.
And you must wonder, where does the name ’Blue Kiss’ come from? Well, kids like calling each other something else, rather than their actual names. So, the perception is that’s where Blue Kiss comes from – the name Lucas, a family member of one of the characters that you will meet during this play.
Blue Kiss runs at 8pm Fridays, Saturday; 2pm Sundays through May 17, 2026. Ruskin Group Theatre is located at 2800 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Free parking is available on site and in a nearby lot. Run time is approximately 85 minutes (no intermission). Tickets are $25 – $40 and can be purchased in advance at www.ruskingrouptheatre.com or for more information call (310) 397-3244.