Driving Miss Daisy
By Alfred Uhry
Directed by: Rachael Lindley
Reviewed by: Sara Jones
From the 1940s-1970s, Atlanta, GA was known as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement in the US. And that’s exactly when and where this play takes us – spanning the years of 1948 to 1973.
As lights come up, we hear a car crash and find ourselves in the kitchen of Miss Daisy Werthan – a Jewish woman of 72 (played by Karen Jordan), who is deeply involved in an argument with her son, Boolie (Brian Hoffman). He insists that her driving days are behind her and promises to hire her a driver. Daisy is not comfortable with this idea – she claims drivers are for rich women and she does not count herself among that class.
Boolie interviews an older black man for the job – Hoke Coleburn (played by Toney Smith) – and asks him why he’s currently out of work. Hoke tells him that people are “hiring young if they’re hiring colored.” After telling his stories of prior employment, Boolie decides he’s the right man for the job. Miss Daisy, however, is not as convinced. She’s feeling her independence slip away and her privacy dwindling as she already has a housekeeper and now a driver sitting in her home. She refuses to let Hoke take her anywhere for almost a full week. As Hoke says, “Only took 6 days – same time it took the lord to make the world!”
Over the years, their friendship grows – they know how to push each other’s buttons but there are also tender moments of understanding. Hoke shows Daisy time and again that he’s there for her and not just for his $20/week paycheck.
Karen Jordan is wonderful as Daisy – her progression of character is a marvel to witness. From the fiery, curly haired 1948 version to her final, feeble, faraway look as 97-year-old Daisy – and every age in between – she has mastered the portrayal of the passage of time. Toney Smith’s Hoke ages along with her and we find him moving more slowly, showing the signs of age as well. His character is charming and loveable – he wins over the audience along with Miss Daisy. Brian Hoffman is solid and believable as Boolie – a man who is big hearted with the best of intentions.
Director Rachael Lindley makes excellent use of the space and the whole performance is wonderfully timed as well – the pacing is quick when needed with time for tender moments.. Rachael also designed the set along with Kyle Chinn. Divided into essentially three spaces – with the car represented at center by benches and a steering wheel – the two house interiors on either side are tastefully decorated with vintage furniture and lighting.
Driving Miss Daisy is a heartwarming tale of two, seemingly, very different people developing trust and friendship, discovering their intersectionality, and perhaps teaching us all a lesson in companionship.
Support local theater!
Sara Jones
Audience Rating: PG
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Unavailable
Production Sound Level: Comfortable volume
Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: None
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