RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Theatre Barn is presenting Diana Son’s Stop Kiss in its fall lineup. The play, under the capable direction of Marla Manning, provides an intimate story of how we choose who we love and how those choices are adjusted by the world around us.

When Callie meets Sara (played by Amber Mason and Isabella David McCaffrey, respectively), they represent polar opposites on the spectrum of naiveté and street smarts. As the slow dance towards friendship and romance unfolds, their distinct characters crystallize.

Callie has lived in the concrete jungle for years with an abundance of loose relationships and a meaningless job. George, played by Christopher Cooney, is her friend with benefits, who while appearing to genuinely care for Callie, has no intention of committing. Sara has recently relocated from St Louis, leaving behind family, cushy job and a boyfriend, played by Kyle Pinto. She is firmly set in her Midwestern ways. She is strong willed and vocal.

Sara encourages Callie to speak up for herself and stop “swerving” from issues at hand. Noisy upstairs neighbors and an unsatisfying job all provoke Sara to chastise Callie’s reticent behavior.

The disparate personalities are drawn to each other: Sara brings depth to Callie’s shallow existence and Callie brings excitement and experience to Sara’s small-town innocence. Together they become daring on a sexual and social level, which brings on the pivotal point of the play. A vicious assault during the early morning hours in a deserted park in the West Village, brings these women to a crucial juncture. They must declare for each other, or walk away. Was their experience simply an experiment or is it real love?

The play moves frequently back and forth in time, by way of many short scenes. The assault is revealed early on, no spoiler alert required. The action leading up to the crime and the fallout is interspersed. Detective Cole (Joe Niola) investigates the crime. The roles of the nurse and the witness, Mrs Winsley, are both played by Florence Regina.

Amber Mason gives a searing, heartfelt performance in her role as Callie. She works hard to make her connection to Sara believable. Her second and most thorough rendition of the details of the crime is vivid and excruciating. Callie’s conversations with Sara are perfunctory in the beginning; they gradually become curious, shy and caring, as they test the waters of this new kind of attraction.

Ms Mason handles all of these “swerves” well. Sara’s determination and innocence is apparent in Isabella David McCaffrey’s portrayal. She is capable and consistent in this role.

Christopher Cooney’s George is a likable, not quite complete, cad. George has a heart, and Mr Cooney lets it show. Kyle Pinto, as Peter, the boyfriend Sara leaves in the lurch, is completely convincing. He is sweet, gentle and clearly devoted. He gives a beautifully nuanced performance.

Joe Niola’s detective is straight out of Law and Order, and he plays it perfectly, including a comforting hand on Callie’s shoulder when she needs it most. Ms Regina manages a couple of accents as she accomplishes completely different characterizations.

This is not only the story of a possible hate crime. It is a love story about two people who connect and despite the obstacles, come to care for each other above all else. It is a tender journey threatened by needless violence. It also shows that in our darkest hour, our greatest strength is revealed.

(Performances runs through September 27, with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees (5 pm) on September 14 and 21.

Visit RidgefieldTheaterBarn.org or call 203-431-9850 for ticket details, reservations and other information.)