At Blue Dasher Press, we believe that stories have the power to transform lives, and few plays embody this belief as strongly as
Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me by Wren Valentino. A poignant and heartfelt exploration of first love, identity, and the complexities of young gay relationships, this play has resonated with audiences across the country and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. For young gay individuals navigating the turbulence of adolescence and self-discovery, the play provides both validation and hope—showing that love is not only possible but beautiful and worth pursuing, even in the face of societal challenges.
The Story: A Love to Remember
At its core, Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me tells the story of two high school students who embark on a journey of discovery and intimacy. Johnny Ramirez, a bright and ambitious student, is selected to be the math tutor for Alex Wilde, a seemingly misunderstood and socially isolated peer. As they spend time together, they begin to form a bond that deepens into something much more powerful—an unexpected and tender first love.
Set against the backdrop of high school, a time fraught with confusion, self-doubt, and the yearning for acceptance, the play captures the raw emotions of falling in love for the first time. Johnny and Alex's relationship develops with a mixture of humor, vulnerability, and hesitation, reflecting the uncertainty many young gay individuals experience as they come to terms with their sexual orientation. The play offers a refreshing narrative that not only portrays the excitement and sweetness of a blossoming relationship but also the anxiety and fear of expressing one’s true self to the world.
"As a playwright, I wanted to create a story that reflects the joy and complexity of first love, especially for young people discovering who they are," says playwright Wren Valentino. "Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me is a celebration of vulnerability, tenderness, and the courage it takes to embrace love in all its forms. For those who see themselves in Johnny and Alex, I hope this play serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges, love is always worth seeking and always worth fighting for."
Significance to Young Gay Audiences
For many young gay individuals, Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me is more than just a play—it's a mirror reflecting their own experiences, feelings, and dreams. The characters of Johnny and Alex are relatable and authentic, with their fears, desires, and joys mirroring those faced by countless young people discovering their identity and navigating the complexities of their first love.
The play speaks directly to the struggle of finding acceptance, both from others and from oneself. The awkwardness and uncertainty in Johnny and Alex's relationship are grounded in a universal experience for young people coming out—balancing the need for connection with the desire for personal safety. As Johnny and Alex venture into their love story, they not only confront their own feelings but also grapple with the societal pressures and expectations placed upon them as young gay individuals. In this way, the play serves as a beacon of hope for those who may feel isolated or afraid, showing them that love—genuine, tender, and transformative—is always worth pursuing, no matter the obstacles.
Additionally, the representation of diverse gay characters is critical for young gay audiences who often struggle to find themselves reflected in mainstream media. The characters of Johnny and Alex defy stereotypes, offering a refreshing departure from the traditional portrayals of gay characters. Through their nuanced and multi-dimensional personalities, the play highlights the beauty and complexity of young gay love, making it an essential work for audiences seeking to see their own experiences validated.
A History of Impact
Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me has had an impactful and diverse production history since its world premiere at Stage Q in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 22, 2006. Directed by Erik Weinke, this debut production was well-received and was selected to be part of the Queer Shorts Festival, highlighting its significance within the broader LGBTQ+ theatrical community.
The play's reach extended to New York, where it premiered at the 78th Street Theatre Lab in December 2007 as part of the Stage This, Too! festival. Directed by Jon Michael Murphy, this production featured Chris von Hoffmann as Alex and Bobby Abid as Johnny, capturing the tenderness of the characters' relationship with striking emotional depth. Later, in April 2008,
Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me was performed at the Boston Center for the Arts, where it won the 2008 Slam Boston Award for Best Play, further solidifying its significance in the LGBTQ+ theatrical landscape.
Subsequent productions continued to bring the play to new audiences, including a second New York performance in 2010 at the Roy Arias Studio Theatres as part of the Short Play Lab. The play’s journey culminated with its official selection for the 2013 DC Queer Theatre Festival, where it was directed by Alvin Ford, further proving its enduring relevance to the queer community.
A Lasting Legacy
As
Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me continues to be staged and celebrated in different regions, its impact on young gay audiences remains profound. The play is a reminder that love is universal, that coming out is a journey filled with both joy and fear, and that self-discovery is a beautiful, sometimes difficult process that deserves to be seen and celebrated. The play offers young gay people the opportunity to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories and reminds them that love, in all its forms, is worth cherishing.
For those of us at Blue Dasher Press, Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me represents more than just a theatrical production—it is a testament to the power of storytelling to shape and reflect the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. Through the poignant and heartfelt journey of Johnny and Alex, the play gives voice to the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of young gay love, offering a sense of connection and belonging to all who watch.
If you haven't had the chance to experience Johnny Ramirez Really Wants to Kiss Me, we highly encourage you to seek it out. Whether on stage or in your own heart, Johnny and Alex’s story is one that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
