DRIVING MISS DAISY to Close Hackmatack Playhouse's 42nd Season, 8/21-30

Hackmatack Playhouse has announced their final production of their 42nd season:"Driving Miss Daisy." The production will run August 21 through August 30.

"Driving Miss Daisy," popularized by the 1989 film, was originally written for the stage by Alfred Uhry, as the first play of his 'Atlanta Trilogy' (which also includes: "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" and the musical "Parade"). These works explore Jewish culture and race relations in Atlanta during the first half of the 20th Century. "Driving Miss Daisy", in particular, explores the story of Daisy Werthan, an elderly woman, who is forced to give up driving and take on a chauffeur, by her son who blames her most recent car accident on her age. Booley, the son, soon hires Hoke Colburn, an elderly African-American man to become the new chauffeur against his mother's wishes, and in vignettes over the course of two and a half decades, we see their lives and relationships play out.

The director of the production, Jeff Seabaugh, is returning to Hackmatack for his second production this summer. He earlier appeared as Captain Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music," and has worked as both an actor and director at The Playhouse since 1987. Some of his favorite credits include directing Hackmatack's memorable productions of "All Shook Up," "Singin' in the Rain," and "Carousel." This will be Seabaugh's first non-musical at Hackmatack Playhouse, and he is enjoying the process. "There are so many less elements in a straight-play that you really get to explore the text more." Seabaugh is drawn to "Driving Miss Daisy" by, "its social relevance. It's very timely, given the questions and discussions that our country is still having about racial relations and minorities, and Uhry's script really continues the conversation without getting heavy-handed. He walks a fine line, but he does it well."

Tinka Darling, playing the role of Daisy Werthan, adds, "I think it's a beautifully written piece. The author uses the setting of Atlanta to unify the moments that we see in Daisy's life, and so it really becomes relatable and universal." Darling has been performing at Hackmatack Playhouse since 1974, and has been known for her performances in "Oliver! "(Nancy), "The King and I"(Lady Thiang), and most recently Berthe, the housekeeper, in "Boeing Boeing." She is enjoying working on a small-cast production. "It's a real challenge for us actors, to be one of three in the show, but with a small cast you're able to really focus together."

Michael Turner, playing the role of Hoke Colburn, also likes the universal nature of the script, "Even though this play is set in the south, it is not just about the south; it's about all of us. It could be set anywhere; it really touches on universal themes." Turner was last seen onstage at Hackmatack Playhouse in "Big River," playing the role of Jim. When not onstage, Michael has been designing lighting for the Hackmatack productions since 2006.

Jay Rodger is returning for his 12th season at Hackmatack, and will be playing the role of Daisy's son, Booley, also "It's daunting to have so much of show on your shoulders, but you get so much more time to work moments, and this script needs that kind of attention to detail that only Jeff [Seabaugh] can bring. The writing has a delicacy to it, and it's more real and natural because of that." Rodger is no stranger to helping carry the weight of a show, with his past performances at the barn including The Chairman ("Drood"), George ("Our Town"), and Jigger ("Carousel").

"Driving Miss Daisy" is scheduled at 8:00 PM Wednesday, August 21; Thursday, August 22; Friday, August 23; Saturday, August 24; Wednesday, August 28; Thursday, August 29; Friday, August 30. Matinees are at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 22; and Thursday, August 29.

Hackmatack Playhouse continues a tradition of affordable ticket prices with student, senior, and group discounts. Individual ticket prices are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, Thursday senior special of $20, and $10 for students under age 20. Tickets are available on-line at http://www.Hackmatack.org or by phone, 207-698-1807.

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