Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Reviews
Santa Monica Mirror- Highly Recommended
"...For those of you not familiar with the original film, you are probably wondering if the two sets of parents will ultimately give their approval or will the love between the young couple be eradicated by prejudice from both sides. To find that out dear readers, I would suggest you buy a ticket as soon as possible, this play is a hit and you're in for an evening of theatre at its finest thanks in no small part to Artistic Director John Ruskin and Managing Director/Producer Michael R. Myers."
Stage and Cinema- Recommended
"...Based on the screenplay of the same name, writer Todd Kreidler has updated for the stage Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Stanley Kramer’s smash-hit 1967 movie by William Rose, writer of the classic Ealing black comedy The Ladykillers (1955) and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1966). A most satisfactory production opened at Ruskin Group Theatre last weekend containing much of what made the film special, along with new and retooled dialogue to round out characters; the play examines its subject matter with perception, depth, insight, humor and feeling. As such, this in no way feels like a period piece, but ever-relevant as we sadly live with the internet helping to fan the flames of bitter bigotry."
LA Splash- Highly Recommended
"...Adapted from William Rose’s screenplay, playwright Todd Kreidler has done a beautiful job of seamlessly transferring a motion picture to the stage. Director Lita Gaithers Owens helms the production with a compassionate eye to the conundrum involved – but also with the quick wit needed to keep the rom-com briskly moving along. Kudos to the actors who “get it” and help the audience appreciate the tension punctuating the love inherent in each scene. This is a tale with no easy answers – and the performers leave space for the audience to grapple with the difficult issues. Insight and humor co-exist and lend this story the thought and intensity it deserves."
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, the sensational latest from Santa Monica's Ruskin Group Theatre, proves as relevant in 2022 as it was sixty-five years after Katharine Hepburn won the second of her four Best Actress Oscars in the ground-breaking Stanley Kramer movie classic."
Total Theater- Recommended
"...Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner still packs a punch. It might not be as powerful as it was back in 1967 when the movie first came out, but it hits hard enough as a stage adaptation to register strongly."
Stage Raw- Highly Recommended
"...Director Lita Gaithers Owen can take credit for keeping the action flowing on the very small stage and for eliciting such capable performances from her cast. Regarding the small space onstage, the talented set designer, John Iacovelli, manages to engender a sense of expansion, and the lovely dining room set he has chosen is a pleasant indication of the Draytons' upper middle class status."
Peoples World- Recommended
"...A common source for a film is a play, but in this case, it took years before this iconic film was turned into a stage play, written by Todd Kreidler and based closely on Rose's script. It's now being presented by the Ruskin Group Theatre."
Larchmont Buzz- Recommended
"...After successful runs at regional theaters around the country, this adaptation is making its Los Angeles debut more than two years later than originally planned. Perhaps it was the extra time to prepare, but the show is tight. Director Lita Gaithers Owens keeps the action moving, and the audience riveted."