Interview: Brain Anthony Wilson Talks about DRIVING MISS DAISY at Act II Playhouse

DRIVING MISS DAISY at Act II Playhouse is one of the most anticipated shows this spring in the Philadelphia area. People have been talking about this production because of the all-star cast comprised of Carla Belver, Brian Anthony Wilson and Tony Braithwaite, under the direction of James Christy. DRIVING MISS DAISY is about an older Southern woman, Daisy, and her driver, Hoke Colburn, who is employed by her son when he becomes concerned over her ability to drive. The play explores the friendship that forms between Daisy and Hoke over the years.

I had the opportunity to speak with Brain Anthony Wilson who plays Hoke Colburn in Act II's production. I spoke with Wilson about what audiences can expect from this production as well as the importance of this play.

Kelli Curtin: Could you tell me a little about DRIVING MISS DAISY?

Brian Anthony Wilson: The basic plot of this play is about an older rich Southern Jewish woman, Daisy, and her chauffer, Hoke, who is a black man. These two people, who are from very different walks of life, are thrust together, and find common ground and become friends. The play takes place over several years spanning from 1948 to 1973, and these years are rife with a lot of events. The playwright, Alfred Uhry, says a lot with not a lot of words, the historical events that are part of the play are dealt with subtly through the short and powerful scenes that make up this show. DRIVING MISS DAISY is a beautifully written story, and there is a humanity to the play that makes this an affecting story.

Kelli Curtin: For people who have never seen this show onstage, what should they expect? Why should they come out and see this show at Act II Playhouse?

Brian Anthony Wilson: First, the space at Act II Playhouse is perfect for this show. The theatre is an intimate space, so it adds to the realness and genuineness of the story. The beauty of the play is that the moments of silence in the play are just as important as the scripted lines. There is a genuine nature to this play, it cannot be faked, and that is why seeing this play in live theatre is important. It really brings out the honesty of the story.

In addition, DRIVING MISS DAISY has a three person cast, and it is a combination of remarkable talents. Carla Belver plays Daisy Werthan, and Carla is one of the best talents in Philadelphia. I have huge respect for her. Daisy is such as complex character, and Carla is remarkable in this role. This performance will be one of the great roles she has played in her career. Tony Braithwaite is playing Boolie Werthan, Daisy's son. Tony is known for his comedic chops, and he is really wonderful in this role. Tony brings a comedic edge to this part. Also, the director, Jim Christy is amazing to work with. The three of us work really well together, and I really feel that this show will be very special.

Kelli Curtin: Could you tell me a little about your character, Hoke Coleburn?

Brian Anthony Wilson: At the beginning of the play, which takes place in 1948, Hoke is 60 years old. At this point in his life he is a widower, and has a daughter that he adores. Hoke is a proud man, and he needs a job. Boolie, Daisy's son, hires Hoke to drive Daisy around. Daisy and Hoke enrich each other's lives and they form a friendship once they get to know each other. Hoke is a noble man who is trying to make his way in the world. He is a noble man who is spirited, and has a positive and can-do attitude.

Kelli Curtin: What attracted you to the role of Hoke?

Brian Anthony Wilson: First, it is definitely working with this talented group of people - Carla [Belver], Tony [Braithwaite] and Jim [Christy]. Also, I am learning a lot from being in this show. A lot of my scenes are with Carla, and I am learning a lot just by performing alongside of her. Acting is reacting, and since Carla's skill level is high I am gaining knowledge about performing just by reacting to her onstage. In addition, I love the diversity of Act II Playhouse. I enjoy working here. This play is a learning experience for me as well. Hoke ages from the age of sixty to eighty five in this show, and it is challenging to portray Hoke as he ages onstage.

Kelli Curtin: Do you relate to Hoke?

Brian Anthony Wilson: Certainly. I relate to it because it reminds me of what my father went through. My father dealt with a lot of prejudice, and he had to bite his tongue a lot and keep his head down to survive. Personally, for me, I had to learn how to navigate the Caucasian world and my world, which are two different things. In Hoke's world, he had to keep his head down and bite his tongue a lot driving Daisy around. So, I can relate to Hoke in this way. Also, I have to wear many hats, right now, I go to work to play a man who is a chauffeur, and then I come home to be a dad.

Kelli Curtin: DRVING MISS DAISY premiered off-Broadway in 1987. Why is this play important?

Brian Anthony Wilson: First, DRIVING MISS DAISY, is a simple and complex play. It deals with black and white relations in the South, as well as two people who find commonality in each other. It is a great story with lots of humanity. This play is a throwback to a simpler and more genteel time. Sometimes we all need a play that is genuine and life affirming. This play, for me, reaffirms the kindness of humanity.

Kelli Curtin: As an actor, what gives you the most fulfillment onstage?

Brian Anthony Wilson: When doing a play in a theatre I have the chance to tell the story from beginning to end. When you are in a film it is usually shot out of sequence. In a play, I have more time to work on a character and develop a character. When a show is done onstage, there is no retake and every night I have to be fresh and bring this character to life for each audience. There is nothing more fulfilling than the reaction from the audience about what they just saw onstage.

Kelli Curtin: Why, in your opinion, is live theatre important?

Brian Anthony Wilson: There is nothing more exhilarating for me than performing live onstage. Live theatre enthuses me and gives me a sense of being. As an actor, it keep the creative juices flowing. I also love going to see theatre because great theatre inspires me. There is an immediacy in live theatre that I find exciting because live theatre is only in that moment and in that space. Live theatre is a unique experience because it changes from day to day. Although it is the same show, it has a different audience that react differently and bring their own experiences to the theatre.

Brian Anthony Wilson can be seen in DRIVING MISS DAISY at Act II Playhouse from March 1 through March 26, 2016. For more information and tickets visit Act II's website at www.act2.org or call the box office at 215-654-0200.

Photos courtesy of Act II Playhouse. Photo Credit: Bill D'Agostino