K-I-S-S-I-N-G by Lenelle Moise

Lala makes fine art, and she's ready to find her muse! A sweet and sticky summer inspires her to romance Dani, a budding feminist⏤and Albert, his slick-talking twin. Part coming-of-age tale and part laugh-out-loud love spell, K-I-S-S-I-N-G is a two-act ode to young Americans.

Winner of the 2023 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding New Script.
Finalist for the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.
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K-I-S-S-I-N-G

Recommended by

  • Martha Wade Steketee:
    21 Mar. 2024
    “ Substantial, romantic, nonformulaic comedy about young Black teenagers with somber reflections on social harms and characters affected by them. Deft dialogue and explorations of class differences, sexual desire, and dysfunctional families, with explicit expectations by the playwright for a visual world through projections that are entrancing. ”
  • Charles Haugland:
    25 Aug. 2017
    “ Lenelle Moïse's character work in this play is stunning; the relationships between the characters are drawn with great depth; we see their dynamics strengthen and fray, evolve and break apart over time. It's also just tremendously funny. We did a workshop of the play at the Huntington Theatre Company, directed by Jenny Koons, and the audience fell in love with the characters that Lenelle introduces to us in this charming and surprising romantic comedy/coming-of-age story. ”

Character Information

With roles for 2 Black Women and 4 Black Men.

  • Lala
    age 15
    Talented visual artist, "a hard rock and a gem," care-taker, daddy's girl, an agent of her own destiny.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Dani
    age 16
    Aspiring art historian, charming like Sidney Poitier, book smart, athletic, loves to be in love, but has strong physical boundaries.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Albert
    age 16
    Dani's fraternal twin. Exceptional dancer, a well-heeled lonely kid pretending to be a ladies' man, amazing kisser.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jack
    age 30s
    Lala's father. Cab driver, stressed, but trying his best to be present, still in love with his ex, hope mixed with regret.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Dot
    age 30s
    Lala's mother, Jack's ex. Stay-at home mom, conflicted about motherhood, haunted. The kind of person you'd want to paint.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Neighbor
    age 30s
    Community gardener, all-seeing, wise, humorous.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male

Production History

Awards

Finalist
,
Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
,
2024
Winner
,
Elliot Norton Award, Outstanding New Script
,
2023