Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Sunday, June 1
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Arts»Big laughs and even bigger dresses in ‘The Nacirema Society’ at the Guthrie
    Arts

    Big laughs and even bigger dresses in ‘The Nacirema Society’ at the Guthrie

    Rachel EngstromBy Rachel EngstromMay 11, 20254 Mins Read
    Greta Oglesby and Regina Marie Williams command the stage as grand dames Grace and Catherine, holding court under the watchful eye of tradition in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater.
    Greta Oglesby (left) and Regina Marie Williams command the stage as grand dames Grace and Catherine, holding court under the watchful eye of tradition in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater. Photo by Dan Norman

    There are some nights at the theater that feel like you’ve been invited to the party of the season – and the Guthrie Theater’s new production of “The Nacirema Society” is exactly that.

    Between the show-stopping costumes, the Motown hits that had the audience bopping in their seats, and the crowd nearly crying with laughter, this Southern comedy is full of heart, humor, and a powerful nod to family legacy.

    Set in 1964 Montgomery, Alabama, the story centers on an elite African American debutante society preparing for its 100th annual ball. But things start to unravel when secrets from the past surface, a bold young woman questions tradition, and a feisty journalist arrives with plans to shake things up. What follows is a whirlwind of mistaken identities, fainting spells, and a whole lot of sharp, funny dialogue.

    From left, Dedra D. Woods, Joy Dolo, Nubia Monks, Greta Oglesby and Regina Marie Williams bring Southern elegance and comedic tension to a parlor full of secrets in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater.
    From left, Dedra D. Woods, Joy Dolo, Nubia Monks, Greta Oglesby and Regina Marie Williams bring Southern elegance and comedic tension to a parlor full of secrets in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater. Photo by Dan Norman

    The set alone is worth the trip downtown – lush velvet sofas, polished wood floors, and a grand staircase that looks straight out of a magazine. The costumes are just as dazzling, from perfectly tailored suits to ball gowns that shimmer under the stage lights. Every design element pulls you into a world of tradition, wealth, and expectation.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    But let’s talk about the real magic: the cast. Guthrie veteran Greta Oglesby brings elegance and strength to her role as Grace Dubose Dunbar, while Regina Marie Williams is laugh-out-loud funny as her longtime society sister and frenemy, Catherine. The two are simply electric together.

    From left, Greta Oglesby, Nubia Monks and Dedra D. Woods deliver a generational clash with charm and comedic spark in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater.
    From left, Greta Oglesby, Nubia Monks and Dedra D. Woods deliver a generational clash with charm and comedic spark in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater. Photo by Dan Norman

    Generations collide on stage

    The younger generation is just as impressive. Nubia Monks plays debutante Gracie with sparkle and grit, and Dedra D. Woods is fierce and fabulous as her mother, Marie. Aimee K. Bryant arrives with fire and purpose as Alpha, the truth-teller who shakes things up, and Joy Dolo is a perfect comic addition as the journalist trying to keep up with the chaos.

    And then there’s Essence Renae as Lillie – a true standout. In her Guthrie debut, she absolutely glows onstage. From her first entrance to her last laugh, she brings charm, sincerity, and impeccable comedic timing. The crowd loved her, and I found myself thinking, “I can’t wait to see more of her.”

    Essence Renae (left) and Nubia Monks portray cousins Lillie and Gracie, dancing between duty and desire in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater.
    Essence Renae (left) and Nubia Monks portray cousins Lillie and Gracie, dancing between duty and desire in “The Nacirema Society” at the Guthrie Theater. Photo by Dan Norman

    Even though this isn’t a musical, don’t be surprised if you catch yourself dancing in your seat. Between scenes, the soundtrack features Motown classics from The Supremes and The Temptations, perfectly setting the tone and adding even more joy. That music, combined with the fast-paced comedy, made the whole experience feel like a celebration.

    I left the theater smiling and full of gratitude for a production that uplifts Black joy, honors family legacies, and reminds us how far a little laughter and love can go.

    So if you’re looking for a night out that’s clever, charming, and full of energy, “The Nacirema Society” is calling your name.

    🎟️ “The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years”

    Runs through May 25 at the Guthrie Theater’s Wurtele Thrust Stage.
    Visit guthrietheater.org for tickets and details.


    🔍 Show Highlights at a Glance

    • 🎭 A Southern comedy of secrets, debutantes, and legacy — with lots of laughs
    • 💃 Gorgeous set and costume design that brings 1964 Montgomery to life
    • 😂 Audiences were laughing out loud all night long
    • 🎶 Motown hits (like The Supremes!) between scenes kept everyone bopping
    • 🌟 Essence Renae as Lillie was an absolute breakout star in her Guthrie debut
    • 👑 A celebration of Black joy, family traditions, and standing up for your truth

    Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleNeighbors ‘pluck the yuck’ to clean up Duck Lake
    Next Article Spiritual connections: A time to plant … Ecclesiastes 3:2

    More to READ

    5 Mins Read

    ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ is more Wes Anderson magic

    May 28, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    ‘Fountain of Youth’ is fool’s gold

    May 22, 2025
    4 Mins Read

    St. Andrew choir to perform at Carnegie Hall

    May 15, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Lusitania’s final voyage remembered 110 years later

    June 1, 2025

    Low vision program offers support, resources at Eden Prairie Senior Center

    June 1, 2025

    MN Chamber leader addresses EP Chamber on 2025 legislative concerns

    June 1, 2025

    Optimist Kids 5K returns June 28 to support youth programs

    May 31, 2025

    Giant beaver becomes Minnesota’s official state fossil

    May 30, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.