The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? serves up sharp performances by seasoned actors, sprinkled with a savory awareness of the racial tensions simmering even now, 50 years after it was written by William Rose. When the film was released in 1967 (starring Spencer Tracy in his last role, Katherine Hepburn, Sidney Poiter, and Isabel Sanford), the Civil Rights movement was at it’s height, and the theme of love in the face of racism was very controversial.
Old-school San Francisco liberals Christina and Matt Drayton (Brigitt Markusfeld and Craig Spidle) await the return of their young adult daughter Joanna (nicknamed Joey, played by Annie Munch) who has a surprise for Mom and Dad: her highly accomplished doctor fiancé Dr. John Prentice (Chike Johnson). The only hitch is that Dr. Prentice is black; the Draytons are white. Despite their lip service about equality and justice and support for civil rights, the parents are shocked and dismayed by the young lovers and try to talk them out of the marriage plans. At the time, inter-racial marriages were still illegal in many states, and very rare – and the Draytons fear for their daughter’s safety. Matt’s golfing buddy, Monsignor Ryan (Mark Goetzinger) visits, meets the couple, and is bemused by Matt’s opposition to the match, noting his hypocrisy of supporting equality and racial progress in the world, but standing against it in his own home. Tillie, the Drayton’s black maid (Lynda Gravatt) is equally appalled, suspecting the good doctor of getting “above himself” by marrying a white woman. Unbeknownst to anyone but Tilly, Joey has invited John’s parents, John Prentice Sr. and Mary (Cleavant Derricks and Nora Cole) from Sacramento for dinner. When they arrive, the Prentice’s are just as opposed to the marriage as the Draytons. However, Christina comes to understand that love will conquer any obstacles in their path — a conclusion shared by Mary. After a confrontational discussion, the two men also come to agree that love, after all, wins out.
Constance Macy, an IRT veteran, rounds out the cast as Christina’s bigoted art gallery assistant who is fired for her remarks early in the play. Johnson’s good doctor is played with self-aware earnestness and strength of character; a widower mourning the loss of his first wife and child, his motivations are made pure and clear. Joey’s sweetness is tempered by fire by Munch’s interpretation of the role. Goetzinger, another stalwart of the IRT stage, is delightful as an observant cleric who spends his two cents of advice wisely while skewering his friend’s politics. Spidle’s Matt is less angst-ridden than Tracy’s take on the role, opting for bewilderment and struggling with his own hypocrisy. Marksusfeld is smart and sharp as Christina. Derricks portrays Prentice Senior with passion and a touch of rage as he explains the sacrifices he made to get his son where he is. Mary, played by Cole drills down to the real issue at hand — that men forget the passion of youth and over-think instead of feel. Tilly, who loves the Drayton family, but also understands the unspoken “rules” of racial and family dynamics, is beautifully interpreted by Gravatt.
A superb set created Robert Koharchik is mid-century modern perfection, with a soaring fireplace and furniture that will make MCM fans swoon. B. Modern’s costuming lends an air of authenticity to the production and director Skip Geer keeps the action moving seamlessly throughout the two hours that honestly will fly by.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? will be at the IRT until Feb. 4. Tickets are very much in demand; visit irtlive.com or call 317-635-5252 to make reservations.
