A clever Southern comedy
Grande dames Grace Dunbar and Catherine Green prepare for the Nacirema Society’s 1964 centennial cotillion — the event of the season in Montgomery, Alabama. The elegant African American debutantes include Grace’s granddaughter Gracie, escorted by Catherine’s grandson Bobby, and the two grandmothers hope the young couple will soon be engaged. But Gracie and Bobby have other ideas. As the young ladies prepare for their debuts, a blackmail scheme brews behind the scenes and subterfuges unfold, all under the nose of a skeptical reporter covering the ball. Featuring clever storytelling and scandalous plots, this lighthearted comedy winds its way to an ending as charming as its characters.
Performance Venue
Guthrie Theater
All Performance Dates
5/1 at 7:30pm
5/4 at 1pm
Content Warnings/Age Recommendations
This performance is recommended for ages 12 and older.
Themes
- This fictional and comedic story, set during the Civil Rights Movement, highlights contrasts in perspectives and priorities, particularly between wealthy people and working class people. In what ways, either positively or negatively, do economic differences impact social justice?
- The Nacirema Society, having existed for 100 years, places high value on appearance, and that value influences the choices that some of its members make. What is a value that you hold strongly? How does it influence your choices in everyday life?
Accessibility
Many performance venues offer accessibility accommodations such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening, sensory ear plugs, ASL interpretation, open captioning, or audio description, among other options. These accommodations are specific to each event, and may not be available everywhere. When registering with us, please let us know what accommodations you need and we will follow up with you!
Transportation
If you do not have access to a ride, call Project Success and we can provide transportation for you. Please let us know if you need a ride when you make your reservation. We will need at least 2 days’ notice to set up transportation.
Childcare
Childcare is available for this performance. Please let us know if you need childcare when you make your reservation.
Additional Media
Here is a look at the cast:
