Dinner at Eight is a 1932 American play by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber. The plot deals with the Jordan family, who are planning a society dinner, and what they, as well as various friends and acquaintances—all of whom have their own problems and ambitions‚ do as they prepare for the event. The film adaptation Dinner at Eight followed and Mentone Productions released the spoof Supper at Six. Several revivals, a made-for-TV movie, and an opera followed.
1932 Broadway production
Dinner at Eight, a three act Broadway play, opened October 22, 1932, at the Music Box Theatre, and closed May 6, 1933, after 232 performances. The play was produced by Sam H. Harris, staged by George S. Kaufman; Assistant Director: Robert B. Sinclair. To date the original 1932 Broadway production of Dinner at Eight has had the longest run with 232 performances vs. the 1933, 1966 and 2002 revivals with 218, 127 and 45 performances, respectively.
Main cast:
1933 London production
The original West End production of Dinner at Eight opened at the Palace Theatre on January 6, 1933, and ran for 218 performances, directed by Kaufman and produced by Charles B. Cochran. Incidental music was composed by Hyam Greenbaum. The sets were designed by Livingston Platt.[1]
Main cast:
1966 Broadway revival
The revival opened on Broadway on September 27, 1966, at the Alvin Theatre and closed on January 14, 1967, after 127 performances.[2]
Produced by Elliot Martin, Lester Osterman, Jr., Alan King and Walter A. Hyman, Ltd. The play was directed by Tyrone Guthrie.
- Main cast[2]
2002 Broadway revival
The revival opened on Broadway on December 19, 2002, and closed on January 26, 2003, after 45 performances and 28 previews. Produced by Lincoln Center Theater, André Bishop: Artistic Director; Bernard Gersten: Executive Producer. Directed by Gerald Gutierrez.[3]
- Main cast
- [3]
The play received 2003 Tony Award nominations for Best Revival of a Play, Best Featured Actress in a Play (Ebersole and Seldes), Best Scenic Design (John Lee Beatty), and Best Costume Design (Catherine Zuber).[4]
Adaptations
Adaptations of the play include:
