By Kristen Weyer.
Theatre Three continues its 50th anniversary season with Driving Miss Daisy. Written by Alfred Uhry, and inspired by his grandmother, this play was originally produced Off-Broadway in 1987. It has enjoyed numerous revivals and tours, a motion picture adaptation, and multiple awards including a Pulitzer and three Academy Awards. Directed here by Linda May, Driving Miss Daisy is a fabulous production which should not be missed.
Taking place in Atlanta, Georgia from 1948 to 1973 the audience first meets Miss Daisy (Phyllis March) on the eve of tremendous life change. She gets into a car accident, and destroys enough property to scare her son Boolie (Steve Ayle) into wanting to hire her a chauffeur. Despite her adamant denial of this necessity, Boolie hires Hoke Colburn (Antoine Jones) and we are “driven” along with Miss Daisy on the twenty five year span of their relationship.
Why this classic play has enjoyed enduring popularity over the decades will be clear to all who see this wonderful performance. Through multiple snippets of scenes, we travel the years, jumping through time with each dimming of the lights. Interspersed with charm and humor, this play is at times poignant and sad, and at others light and very funny.
This three person cast is brilliant. Phyllis March as Daisy, Steve Ayle as Boolie, and Antoine Jones as Hoke all have excellent chemistry together. They play off one another with a natural ease that flows through the scenes. All three boast spot-on comedic timing which allowed every subtle joke and tidbit of humor to fall perfectly, and alleviate the tension of the serious moments. Characterization as well, was practically flawless. Boolie’s frustration with, and care of his mother is skillfully portrayed by Ayle. Jones plays Hoke with a dignified grace and an immediate likeability. Phyllis March has the persnickety, crotchety and cantankerous Miss Daisy perfectly personified. Added to this are Jones’ and March’s brilliantly executed signs of aging, both understated and obvious, which slowly build and grow as the years pass.
Driving Miss Daisy is both touching and amusing. A classic with enduring themes, characters, and heart. If I’m being honest, dramas aren’t usually my favorite. However, Theatre Three has once again managed to change my mind (the first time being their excellent production of A Miracle Worker). I enjoyed this show immensely, and highly recommend you attend a performance.