Review: WHITE PEOPLE DRINKING Asks What Would Happen at a Dinner Party if Everyone Told the Truth?

Ever had something to say, but kept it to yourself because you had to be polite and PC? Or perhaps after consuming a few drinks, your inhibitions were set aside and you did speak your mind, much to the dismay of others around you. Would you wind up losing a friend or gaining their respect for your honesty?

Writer, Daniel Sugimoto has always tried to push past our standard social interactions, which are based on the rules of politeness, in order to have real human interactions instead. His latest play, WHITE PEOPLE DRINKING, which is NOT a musical, is all about those honest conversations during a dinner party with 3 very different couples, each of whom wind up speaking what is really on their minds after the free-flowing drinks loosen their tongues. All the topical taboo scenarios we fear on a silver platter are brought to light in fits of wit and whimsy, often so fast that you may feel your head is spinning trying to catch all the sarcasm as it flies past your ears. Imagine sitting down to dinner with friends, enjoying a few drinks and then really saying what is on your mind including secrets, opinions, and unfiltered drunk words. Would your friendships survive? Sugimoto's philosophical, full tilt, facade filled commentary leaves no stone unturned, pulls no punches, and promises to offend in every imaginable way.

We first meet the host couple, already a few sheets to the wind, as they prepare for the arrival of their guests. Jennifer and Bishop Lesley (Stephanie Schultz and Frank Krueger) are two intelligent, middle-aged people who have managed to earn themselves high-ranking positions in business, even if we do not find out until much later just what those jobs entail. Their relationship will no doubt remind you of your own, especially when comments such as "Tell me I'm right - and then correct me" strike a familiar cord. Just what the purpose of this dinner is remains a mystery at first, especially since it is very apparent neither of them cooks when take-out food is delivered and generates even more arguments between them about what is the best way to serve it, with each argument generating knowing laughs from the audience.

The second scene moves to the car where Michael and April (Nick Slimmer and Julia Lisa) are on their way to the Lesleys for dinner. Neither seems too pleased about it, although Michael hopes their interaction will lead to better employment opportunities. When the four get together, it's all niceties until Bishop pushes them to speak honestly. Later, we meet Matt and Chelsea (Sam T. West and Lauren Ashley Hill), a very modern black couple also on their way to dinner at the Lesleys. When these six get together and agree to play Bishop's "to tell the truth" game, all hell breaks loose. And Chelsea is right there, always holding up her phone and threatening to "go live" if anything offends her. Sound like anyone you know?

Be forewarned as the drinking continues, language gets more explicit and the topics discussed become emotionally challenging. But all the while, you can't help but laugh at the ridiculous nature of it all, how confrontational the truth can be, thus leading to the need for secrecy. In fact, it's a shame how fast the topics change and brilliant quips often go by too quickly to catch them all. It's almost the same as when you are with a large group of people and overhear too many conversations to keep track of them all.

Bishop fabulously guides the dinner party conversations down a path to suit his own needs, and Frank Krueger is a wonder to behold as he pushes his younger guests to reveal their secrets, opinions and beliefs by asking each of them to write down what they don't like to talk about or an opinion they hold that is not popular. I leave it to your imagination just what gets written down and the resulting conversations!

After all, most of our social interactions are based on set standards and the rules of politeness. We like feeling like we are unique, special, in a world of our own, but this tends to isolate us from real conversations, especially when it comes to sex, religion and politics. Imagine for a second, everyone said what they were thinking, sure things would be creatively awkward for extended periods of time, but it might offer up some real human connection.

Sugimoto, again displaying his amazing ability to create characters with deep-felt heart and soul through his incredible imagination and understanding of human nature, builds a world where societal constructs get striped away and what remains is all too human... I especially enjoyed the group attempting to figure out who the "they" are who make all the societal rules. Just who are they that tell us what "they" say, making their opinions into assumed facts? Are we all just rats caught in a media maze, believing whatever we hear on television must be the truth?

And if avoiding conflict in social situations got us into this societal mess, then is battling it out the answer? Is honesty always the best policy? I guarantee the laughter generated as you ponder those questions will get you shaking your head at whatever the outcome. It's definitely a thought-provoking play and as Sugimoto notes, "If you think it's about you -- you're probably right."

The world premiere of WHITE PEOPLE DRINKING, written by Daniel Sugimoto and co-directed by Cassandra White and Max Lichtig, takes place at Three Clubs of Hollywood, 1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Join the party if you are 21 + with valid ID on March 4th, 5th, 17th, 19th, 25th, and 26th: Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 6PM. Tickets: $15 - $30 which can be purchased in advance at TheZooTheatreCo.com

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