LOOK WHO'S COMING TO DINNER

COMPANY SBB//Stefanie Batten Bland

Dance
Lincoln Center Restart Stages
August 3, 2021

Internationally known choreographer, Stefanie Batten Bland and founder of COMPANY SBB, brings her provocative and dynamic production of LOOK WHO'S COMING TO DINNER to Lincoln Center's Restart Stages, a series of free performances in ten outdoor venues to revitalize the performing arts sector in New York City.

LOOK WHO'S COMING TO DINNER draws on themes of racial tension from the 1967 film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (the basic plot: a young white woman invites her black boyfriend to dinner with her family). The ensemble sets the stage with several folding tables and sheer table coverings with the family gathered to meet the guest. His initial solo performance seeks to entertain and please them. As the production evolves and conflicts among the characters increase, the cast deconstructs the tables and coverings and uses them as props and scenery. One particularly compelling scene sets a table on its end with one dancer behind it and another in front of it, pounding on it as a door for access to another, better part of the world.

The young, energetic cast brings joyful exuberance to the stage. The audience could feel their enthusiasm and happiness at being there, performing live and in-person, and responded with a standing ovation. Stefanie Batten Bland provided an additional highlight and joined her company to perform.

In a nod to conquering COVID and the world returning to normalcy, as an introduction to the show, the entire company takes the stage in masks, then slowly in full dance mode, removes and discards them. Bravo!!

- Faye Argentine -