BWW Reviews: The Rep's Uplifting and Amusing GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER

It seems like more and more films are being adapted for the stage these days. Some for the better and some for the worse. Which brings us to the classic film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, which starred Spencer Tracy (in his final screen appearance), Katherine Hepburn and Sidney Poitier, in a wonderfully inspiring and humorous production being presented by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. One might think that this particular piece of cinema is outdated, but the fact is that this story is one that will still resonate with audiences today, and maybe that's a just a sad dose of reality that we all have to face. Todd Kreidler's script follows the movie fairly closely (based on the original screenplay by William Rose), but includes large doses of laughs that neatly leaven the dramatic aspects of the piece, making it an engaging and thoroughly entertaining theatrical experience that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The plot follows a young idealistic girl, Joey, who brings her black fiancee home to meet her liberal parents after a whirlwind courtship. Her announcement of their impending marriage causes a tempest in a teapot. But, remember, this story is set in 1967, a tumultuous time in our nation's history when civil rights were at the forefront. The fact that her beloved , John Prentice, Jr., is a polite and intelligent doctor only complicates matters, since he's just so hard to disapprove of. However, the real surprise is not just that he's coming to dinner, but that his parents will be arriving as well.

Shannon Marie Sullivan does wonderful work as Joanna ("Joey") Drayton, imbuing her character with just the right traits that reflect the youthful idealism of the times. Richard Prioleau is equally strong as her suitor, John, and it's his insistence on receiving her parent's approval that drives the tale. You can't help but root for them both, and that's a credit to their dedicated performances. Anderson Matthews and Margaret Daly also do splendid work as Joey's concerned parents, Matt and Christina, respectively. Leo Finnie is forceful as John's father (John Prentice, Sr.), finding the whole situation to be a bit unsettling, reminding the couple, and especially his son, of the obstacles their mixed marriage will have to overcome in order to succeed. Perri Gaffney is sharp as John's mother, Mary, in a role that's a bit underwritten.

Inga Ballard is an eyebrow raising delight as the Drayton's maid, Tillie (Matilda Banks), and she provides a number of amusing moments as she sizes up the young John while questioning his intentions. Joneal Joplin is simply superb as the tipsy, but amiable Monsignor Ryan, and it's always a pleasure to watch him work his magic on stage. Elizabeth Ann Townsend does a good job as well in the thankless role of Christina's racist employee.

The always reliable Seth Gordon directs with a deft touch that neatly balances the drama and humor without going too far in either direction. The ensemble shines in his more than capable hands. Kevin Depinet's scenic design captures the feel of the era, and so does Myrna Colley-Lee's costumes. Peter E. Sargent's lighting is never intrusive, and keeps the action clearly in focus, while Rusty Wandall's sound design nicely sets the period mood with choice selections.

The Rep's production of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner arrives at the perfect time to remind us, once again that we really haven't come as far with solving our racial issues as we think we have, and that makes it truly special in these uneasy times. The Rep's motto is "theatre so close you can feel it", and this presentation certainly puts an exclamation point on that declaration. This is truly a great show that proves you can successfully transfer a movie to the stage. In fact, I think it's really a better take on the ideas the original explored. Go see it at the Loretto-Hilton where it will be playing through February 1, 2015, and start your New Year off with a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Photo Credit: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

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