Review: New Jewish Theatre's Excellent DRIVING MISS DAISY

Playwright Alfred Uhry's Pulizter Prize winning work, DRIVING MISS DAISY, is the latest offering by The New Jewish Theatre, and it's an excellent production. Over the years this play has provided a lot of famous actors and actresses with the opportunity to bring these wonderful characters to life, and of course, there's a very well known film version as well. But forget all that and just enjoy the intimacy and immediacy of live theatre. This is a delightful 90 minute show, and I highly recommend it.

For the unfamiliar, the story centers mostly around the relationship between the aging Daisy Werthan and her chauffeur Hoke Coleburn. Her son, Boolie, hires on Hoke as a driver when Miss Daisy proves herself to be less than capable behind the wheel. It's not something Miss Daisy accepts easily, and though she's cantankerous at first, eventually she acquiesces. Set in Atlanta, Georgia, during a period covering the years 1948-1973, we're privy to their gradually developing friendship, against the background of societal and cultural changes that take place over time.

Kathleen Sitzer does very nice work as Daisy Werthan, imbuing the character with a genuinely stubborn attitude at first, before warming to her situation as the years pass. J. Samuel Davis is perfect as Hoke Coleburn, doing his best to accommodate someone who doesn't want him there in the first place. The interplay between them is priceless and, by the final scene, touching and moving as well. Eric Dean White does strong work as Daisy's son Boolie, who displays the patience of a saint while dealing with his headstrong mother. This is simply a splendid ensemble.

Director Sydnie Grosberg Ronga has put together a thoughtfully conceived staging of this work that's always engaging and entertaining. Dunsi Dai's scenic design and art is simple and elegant, with Daisy's home reflecting her social standing. Meg Brinkley's props add to the overall ambiance, and Michele Friedman Siler's costumes are good fits for each character. Mark Wilson's lighting neatly delineates each section of the stage, and sets the mood of each scene.

The New Jewish Theatre's production of DRIVING MISS DAISY is a winner. You'll laugh, and you might even tear up a bit. It continues through December 18, 2016.