Malcolm-Jamal Warner to Lead Arena Stage's GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER; Full Cast Announced

By: Oct. 25, 2013
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Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the full company for Guess Who's Coming to Dinner starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner (The Cosby Show, Malcolm and Eddie) in his Washington, D.C. theatrical debut as Dr. John Prentice. Under the direction of David Esbjornson (Broadway's Driving Miss Daisy and Arena's Red Hot Patriot starring Kathleen Turner), this heart-warming comedy features many of the same actors who appeared in the world premiere of the play by True Colors Theatre Company in July 2012. Kenny Leon, who collaborated with playwright Todd Kreidler on the world premiere and was previously announced to direct for Arena Stage, withdrew from the project due to an unforeseen conflict. The play is adapted from William Rose's screenplay for the 1967 film of the same name starring Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy about a young white woman in the 1960s introducing her family to her charming, accomplished and African-American fiancé. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner runs November 29, 2013-January 5, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage.

"We are happy to have David Esbjornson back at Arena after his wonderful production of Red Hot Patriot last season," shares Artistic Director Molly Smith. "He is a real man of the theater. David's work has been seen in major theaters across the country. He is an excellent director and will have strong insight into this American story about love, family, class and race."

The production features veteran actors to Arena Stage and the D.C.-area Lynda Gravátt as Matilda Banks; Eugene Lee as John Prentice, Sr; Valerie Leonard as Hilary St. George; and Michael Russotto as Monsignor Ryan, along with Atlanta-based actors, who appeared in the True Colors production, Andrea Frye as Mary Prentice (originally as Matilda Banks), Tom Key as Matt Drayton, Tess Malis Kincaid as Christina Drayton and Bethany Anne Lind as Joanna Drayton.

"I am delighted to return to Arena Stage to present Todd Kreidler's exciting, new stage adaptation of what has become a classic American story," adds Esbjornson. "It is a privilege to work with this exceptional group of artists who share in the hope that audiences will find the experience of this piece compelling, provocative and perhaps all too relevant."

TICKETS: Tickets for Guess Who's Coming to Dinner are $40-$90, subject to change and based on availability, plus applicable fees. For information on savings programs such as student discounts, Southwest Nights, Pay-Your-Age tickets, Family Fun Packs and Hero's Discounts, visit arenastage.org/shows-tickets/single-tickets/savings-programs/. Tickets may be purchased online at arenastage.org, by phone at 202-488-3300 or at the Sales Office at 1101 Sixth St., SW, D.C.



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