I’ll be discussing this play VERY LOUDLY. You’ll have to see this show to get that, but rest assured, if you don’t leave this show raving to anyone that will listen about how great it is, well, I’ll eat Esther’s uncooked chicken (yes, that’s another inside joke).
Presented by Gnu Ground Theatre Company, Guess Who’s Coming to Sabbath? is a brilliant take on the classic film, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? Written by Kingstonian Phil Pivnick, the one-act play follows the trials of Isaac (David Epstein), who brings his fiance, Peter (Justin Reeke) home to meet his devoutly Jewish parents.
Oh, and did I mention that Isaac is gay? This leads to a highly awkward, extremely funny take on the family’s Shabbat dinner.
Guess Who’s Coming to Sabbath? won the 2006 Jewish Canadian Playwriting Competition, and it’s immediately clear why. Pivnick manages to portray both humour and the heartbreak of Isaac’s situation, taking aim at both homosexual and Jewish stereotypes without coming across as offensive.
This is the first time the play has been produced, but that didn’t stop Gnu Ground from assembling a fantastic cast. I had absolutely no trouble believing in the characters. Lauren Saunders’ portrayal of Issac’s teenage sister, Rachel, is particularly notworthy, while Paul Dyck presents a very convincing Rabbi. The timing of his jokes could not be better.
If I had to criticize something (and I suppose, as a critic, I should), I’d point out that in spots the play can come across as a little too melodramatic. The revelation that Isaac’s mother, Esther, is dying is unsurprising (it had been well-hinted to that point), and it plays into a touching moment between Isaac and Rachel, but I felt the play would be just as strong without it – there is enough conflict in the play without Esther’s poor health to add to it.
Lee Sela choose the Rotunda Theatre for this show, and it’s a choice that I think pays dividends. Already a small theatre, Sela uses only about half the space for seating, making the play an intimate affair and allowing the audience to connect with the characters better than they would be able to in a larger space. The space allows the actors to get close to the audience, which becomes especially poignant in some of the show’s vignette (for lack of a better word) scenes. Here the production team does an excellent job in lighting and mood to allow the characters to reveal their personal thoughts without disrupting the flow of the play. Indeed, despite father Morty’s obtuseness, it was difficult at times not to sympathize with his position in these brief glimpses into his mind.
Guess Who’s Coming to Sabbath? draws no conclusions, and doesn’t claim to. It leaves that open to the interpretation of the audience. And that’s the beauty of it: the play is provocative enough to get people taking, but funny enough that no one leaves upset.
I’ve seen some phenomenal shows in my time at Queen’s. This is, without a doubt, one of the best. That this show was written by an unestablished playwright in less than a week, and is being performed for the first time, boggles the mind: the fit and finish is exceptional. I would be amiss if I didn’t borrow from a classic song and encourage you to run, not walk, and see this show while you still can. Who knows how long it will be before you get another chance (though if this show is an indication, not long!).
Guess Who’s Coming to Sabbath? plays March 4th – 7th at 8:00 pm and at 2:00 on March 6th and 7th, in the Rotunda Theatre, Queen’s Theological Hall. Tickets are $13/$10 students and are available at Destinations or at the door. More information.
