January 13 (7:30 p.m.) & January 14, 2018 (3 p.m.)
The cast of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” includes (sitting ) Glenn Evans, Eleanor Clark, Richard Saxer, Gernard Reed and (standing) Joy Evans, Rayshawn Veney, Jalesa Thomas, Kathryn Shepherd, and Ellen Gaines
Our Directors’ Showcase for the 2017-2018 Season
Adapted for the stage by Todd Kreidler from the Oscar-winning screenplay by William Rose
Old-line liberals Matt and Christina Drayton have raised their daughter Joey to think for herself and not blindly conform to the conventional. Still, they aren’t prepared for the shock when she brings home a new fiancé: African-American doctor John Prentice. While they come to grips with whatever prejudices they might still harbor, the younger folks must also contend with John’s parents, who are dead-set against the union. To complicate matters, the older couple’s disapproving cook and Christina’s bigoted business associate put in their two cents’.
The production is staged as a “Directors’ Showcase,” with costumes, lights, sound, and actors using scripts. But make no mistake; this is not a “reading” of the play. The actors are as committed to presenting complete portrayals as in any fully staged production. The Players annually present one play (featuring the Evanses) in this format to offer audiences a unique theatrical opportunity that the Players might not stage otherwise.
Cast
Christina Drayton……Joy Evans
Matt Drayton………..Glenn Evans
Dr. John Prentice……Rayshawn Veney
Joanna Drayton…….Eleanor Clark
John Prentice, Sr…..Gernard Reed
Mary Prentice……….Ellen Corum Gaines
Hilary St. George…..Kathryn Shepherd
Tillie Binks……………..Jalesa Thomas
Monsignor……………..Richard Saxer
Stage Manager……….Ellen Yackel
NEWS RELEASE – December 2017
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” Gets Stage Adaptation at Theatre
Can love conquer all?
It’s 1967, the world is changing, and the Draytons are open minded and forward thinking—until their white daughter brings home a black fiancé. Cultures clash and family ties are tested in this witty and thoughtful look into the power of the human heart.
The Westmoreland Players brings to life Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Jan. 13 & 14 at the theatre in Callao.
The Oscar-winning film was a vehicle for Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and Sidney Poitier. It was radical in its time, simply because it raised the issue of mixed-race marriage. It opened just six months after the US Supreme Court, in its landmark Loving v. Virginia decision, ruled that anti-miscegenation laws were unconstitutional.
Recently adapted for the stage, Guess Who… offers local actors the opportunity to recreate these beloved characters. Players’ Artistic Directors Glenn and Joy Evans take on the Tracy/Hepburn roles. Rayshawn Veney steps into the part of Dr. John Prentice while Eleanor Clark plays his fiancé Joanna.
Mr. & Mrs. Prentice are played by Gernard Reed and Ellen Gaines. Richard Saxer appears as the Monsignor and Jalesa Thomas is Tillie. Kathryn Shepherd is the family friend Hilary.
The production is staged as a “Directors’ Showcase” with costumes, lights, sound, and actors using scripts. But make no mistake; this is not a “reading” of the play. The actors are as committed to presenting complete portrayals as in any fully staged production. The Players annually present one play (featuring the Evanses) in this format to offer audiences a unique theatrical opportunity that the Players might not stage otherwise.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is a limited engagement playing two performances only – 7:30 Sat., Jan. 13 and a 3:00 matinee Sun., Jan.14. The Theatre is located at 16217 Richmond Rd., Callao. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling 804-529-9345, online, or emailing the box office at tickets@westmorelandplayers.org.