Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner debuted on the Kelsey Theatre stage this Valentine’s Day. Directed by Diane L. Parker and produced by Rob and Deb Lasky, the show ran from Feb. 14 to Feb. 23.
Inspired by the 1967 film which made controversial commentary on the interracial marriage case Loving v. Virginia the show is a theater representation of the struggles interracial couples have had to endure. Picked specifically for Black History Month by Kitty Getlik, Artistic Director and Manager of the Kelsey Theatre, it amplifies a message of love and acceptance during a month of celebration.
It begins with Joanna Drayton, who is played by Ariel Gruhin, who returns from Hawai’i after a career opportunity at a hospital with a guest, her new fiance Dr. John Prentice, a black doctor played by Nob’l.
But, after introducing Dr. Prentice to her family Joanna is hit with a brutal truth, her parents display immediate rejection of the union.
With a show focused on a deeper message, there were little physical reminders that the show takes place in San Francisco. But, with 60s reminisced furniture, decor, and costumes, the set displayed the 1960s spirit.
However, the set was reminiscent of the original movie. Within the movie everyone is at the Drayton residence and alternates in rooms to have private conversations, something the terrace offered, bringing it back to its origin. The show translated the comedy, liveliness, and raw emotions that were seen in the movie onto the stage homogeneously.
Parker’s vision was to portray racism and prejudice completely and authentically.
She says, “I didn’t want the play to shy away from discomfort, tension, and difficult conversations that emerge when there are personal beliefs that we’re confronted with.”
However, the actors each had their own tasks.
Nob’l used the stage to project a message about more than a union between two people but a union of communities.
He says, “I think there’s an importance to say, I do see that you are different, but that doesn’t have to divide us. It can actually bring us together.”
Although occasionally distracted by the combination of cool and warm lighting on stage, the actors continued to showcase their comedic timing and passionate proclamations of love.
Gruhin took to the stage to present Joanna in a serious and carefree light.
Gruhin says, “What I loved about Joanna was the light and optimism she tries to bring despite everything that’s going on around her.”
She adds, “It was a radical thing for John and Joanna to do but I don’t think Joanna sees it as radical at all.”
Linda Cunningham, actress of Christina Drayton, combined comedic facial expressions, witty remarks, and an abundance of confusion, but inevitably came to understand how her love to Matt Drayton reflected in Joanna’s love life.
Whereas, Michael Gilbert, actor of Monsignor Ryan, used the Catholic character to shine a light on the irony of both family’s rejection. As he intertwined, out-of-pocket singing, drinking jokes, mocking Joanna’s parents and a liking for Dr. Prentice, his message of their relationship being pure love remained at the forefront of his performance.
Parker’s interpretation not only uses the likes of comedy and reactions but also musical elements to enhance the show.
Sandra Ward, guest vocalist, took time to send her powerful jazzy voice through the theater as she sang Etta James’s At Last, during the kiss between Joanna and Dr. Prentice.
In the end both families decide that if the union is what their children want they are willing to stand beside them and face any ridicule that comes their way, and as Parker and the cast came together to bring the show an apt presentation and give a parallel to events going on today, it seemed as though the audience saw what was being presented to them.
Barbara Hammell, a longtime member at the Kelsey Theatre, says “[The show] was fantastic, the actors portrayed [their roles] very well and the story behind it; no matter what color we are, no matter what religion we are, we’re the same”
Brenda Bray, an audience member of the show, says “The play is so well-timed because of what’s going on right now in this country. I hope that anyone who came, saw, and got something from it to do something good.”
Twanie Hawkins, an audience member of the show, says, “ [The Show] left me with that feeling, the more things change, the more things stay the same. We just cannot seem to break the racial barriers, everything can be the same but it always [comes back to] the melanin in the skin tone”
The show hits on topics that for some can be tough to swallow but embodies a proclamation of love between an unconventional couple. Setting up for reflection, conversation, and a reminder that love is a powerful force that can both bring together and hurt others.
She says, “I want people to leave the show looking at their own biases, because everyone has bias, on both sides, but I want people to reflect and wonder if their biases are hurting other people.”
