CSC presents the regional premiere of this new stage adaptation of the classic film directed by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s D. Lynn Meyers.
CINCINNATI, January 10, 2018 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues the Debut Season at The Otto M. Budig Theater with Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, by Todd Kreidler, based on the screenplay by William Rose, playing January 26- February 17, 2018.
Self-proclaimed liberals Matt and Christina Drayton (Barry Mullholand and Annie Fitzpatrick) must wrestle with their own buried prejudices when their daughter Joanna (Caitlin McWethy) returns home with her new fiancé: African-American doctor John Prentiss (Darnell Pierre Benjamin). When the family is joined by John’s parents (Ken Early and Thursday Farrar), the young couple offers an ultimatum: the families must come to terms with their impending marriage that night – or John and Joanna will part forever.
This production follows closely on the 50th anniversary of the film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which premiered December 12, 1967. The film featured Hollywood’s first interracial kiss and was groundbreaking in its portrayal of Joanna and John’s romance, and its incredible financial success cemented Sidney Poitier’s position as the top box-office draw of the year. The film also marked the final time that real-life power couple Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy appeared together onscreen, as Tracy passed away mere days after filming ended. Sidney Poitier will also be turning 90 years old this year on Feb. 20, days after this production closes!
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner runs January 26- February 17, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM, as well as Saturday February 17 at 2:00 PM. Preview performances are January 24 and 25 at 7:30.
The theater is now located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Single ticket prices range from $14-$52. Student/Children and Preview tickets are only $28. If available that day, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased thirty minutes before a show with a valid student ID. This production is a part of this season’s subscription package. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as AAA members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.