Written by | Ray Cornelius
I had the unique pleasure of attending a “first look” performance of Mark E. Swinton‘s new musical production, “Guess Who Showed Up at Dinner?” this past Friday evening and all I can say is “hold on to your seats, you’re in for a wild ride.” The exclusive viewing took place at the spectacular Tyler Perry Studios and stars “The Paynes” actress Cassi Davis along with “Saints and Sinners” actor Clifton Powell.
“Guess Who Showed Up at Dinner?” is a hilarious tale of Sugarbread Robinson (Tony Hightower), an a L.A. musician who decides to journey back to his hometown of Moncks Corner, South Carolina to find some inspiration for his new music project. Robinson also plans to surprise his family by proposing to his Puerto Rican fiancée, Alejandra Perez (Claudette Ortiz). However, shenanigans ensue when Alejandra’s is delayed by two days and the family thinks that Robinson’s best friend, Ronald Perez (Benjamin D. Sims) is actually his lover. It’s a modern take on the classic, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” with a twist.
“Guess Who Showed Up at Dinner?” also features stage, film and singing star Chandra Currelley as the gossiping Sister Helen Moore, gospel music sensation Zebulon Ellis as the holier than thou Deacon James, Durrell Lyons as Feldman, Wes Lee as Prince and CAU Alum Deance’ Wyatt as Stan the mailman.
A number of Atlanta notables were in attendance including Tyler Perry, “The Have and the Have Nots” actress Crystal Fox, Joel Rush from “If Loving You is Wrong,” media maven Karyn Greer and radio personality/comedienne Wanda Smith.
Swinton is an award-winning writer, director, producer and playwright. He is the assistant director behind Perry’s hit stage productions and has served as the producer for Perry’s OWN series—“The Haves and the Have Nots,” “Love Thy Neighbor,” “For Better or Worse,” “If Loving You Is Wrong” and TLC’s “Too Close to Home.”
“Guess Who Showed Up at Dinner?” will debut in February 2018!
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com and Instagram/Joel Rush
