Review from Thus With A Kiss I Die

“Those who have been to a murder mystery dinner will be familiar with the immersive nature of ‘Kiss,’ although this production is that experience on steroids. ‘Kiss’ takes place at the fictional Jekyll University in 1958. The theater department has brought in a progressive guest director (Raied Jawhari) for its production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ This ‘New York Jew’ has made it his mission to bring Northern values to this Southern college by casting a black Romeo (Evan Phillips) with a white Juliet (Jamie Lien). At the opening night performance, I was particularly touched watching Joseph, who plays Romeo, explain to Maggie, who plays Juliet, that while the kiss might cost her her reputation, it could cost him his life. Phillips and Lien are perfectly cast, as the gawky and seemingly powerless duo experience an achingly tender loss of innocence. They are baby birds who have recently left the nest and are now learning about the opportunities for both cruelty and kindness in the bigger world.”

-Mary C. Cusack, Lansing City Pulse