Ally Farzetta and A.K. Murtadha play a couple struggling to get their families to support their planned marriage in Asolo Rep's production of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." JOHN REVISKY PHOTO/ASOLO REP
You get a lot of variations of astonished and shocked looks on the faces of the characters in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” the engaging stage version of the classic 1967 film that opened Friday night at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
They’re all reacting to the news that the joyfully optimistic Joanna Drayton, a white medical intern, plans to marry a successful black medical research doctor named John Prentice Jr.
Keep in mind that it’s 1967, when mixed-race marriage was just becoming legal in some states. No matter how liberal Joanna’s family may be, they’re stunned at the prospect of their daughter marrying a black man.
Mark Jacoby, left, and Peggy Roeder play parents concerned about their daughter's planned mixed-race marriage in Asolo Rep's production of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." JOHN REVISKY PHOTO/ASOLO REP
It’s not that John isn’t a parent’s fantasy of a prospective son-in-law. He’s successful, polite, well-spoken and one of the top researchers in his field. But he’s a different race, and Matt and Christina Drayton can’t help but worry about the problems the couple will face out in the world.
That explains the looks, which range from wide-eyed surprise, to squinty distrust to smirking bemusement when somebody new catches onto the revelation. And that’s compared to the anger and quiet concern that come from John’s parents.
Todd Kreidler’s play, adapted from the screenplay by William Rose, is beautifully staged by director Frank Galati with a cast that creates a wonderful ensemble feeling even as they’re pulled in different directions by their changing emotions.
A.K. Murtadha and Jacqueline Williams in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" at Asolo Rep. JOHN REVISKY PHOTO/ASOLO REP
And they pull us with them, even as we shift, sometimes uncomfortably, from being fully involved in a period depiction to moments in the script that sound stereotyped. That’s particularly true of the delightful performance by Jacqueline Williams as the Drayton’s years-long and self-assured maid, whose sassy attitude sounds like a stereotypical relic of the era, no matter its accuracy. William Dick, as a surprisingly modern monsignor, almost overcomes the stereotyped ghosts of his character.
The others almost seem contemporary in comparison, as they express their concerns. Peggy Roeder is radiantly composed as Christina, who comes around first to accepting the relationship and letting their love for one another carry them through. She has a quiet dignity expressed even as she just listens to the others around her. The same is true for Tyla Abercrumbie in the brief but key role as John’s seemingly subordinate mother.
From left, Peggy Roeder, Tyla Abercrumbie, and Ernest Perry, Jr. in the stage version of the classic film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" at Asolo Rep. JOHN REVISKY PHOTO/ASOLO REP
Mark Jacoby, as Matt Drayton, is a harder sell, and he struggles for his response, which he finally delivers in a measured and elegant manner that brings to mind the grace of Spencer Tracy who played the role in the film. And Ernest Perry has some fiery moments as John’s angry father, who surprises the Draytons with his opposition to their daughter.
At the heart of it all is the fun-loving, almost carefree Ally Farzetta as Joanna, and the measured calm of A.K. Murtadha, who makes a strong case through his composure, only allowing his inner fire to be revealed in a confrontation with his father.
And Denise Cormier is a key to the changing times as Christina’s assistant in an art gallery who reveals her own bigotry with a confident smile.
Times have changed and you might watch “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” as a quaint relic. But race relations are still divided and mixed-race marriages still surprise people. If you changed some of the dialogue and put the characters in a more contemporary setting with updated fashions, or changed skin colors, religions or ethnicities, the arguments would still have a resonance and startling nature.
Racism may be a part of the “situation” in the play, but it’s also about parents wanting the best for their children and a life free of obstacles. By the end, you can only hope that love and understanding will eventually triumph in our troubled society.
THEATER REVIEW
"GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER"
By Todd Kreidler, adapted from the screenplay by William Rose. Directed by Frank Galati. Reviewed March 11, Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. In repertory through April 17. For more information: 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
