Review: DRIVING MISS DAISY With 'Little House on the Prairie' Star Karen Grassle Charms and Warms the Heart At Riverside Center

Remarkably, since it opened in 1998, Riverside Center has only presented two plays out of nearly 80 main stage productions. (If we add the children's matinees, the number would increase exponentially!)

Formerly known as Riverside Dinner Theatre, the re-christened Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, just south of DC in picturesque Stafford County, has embraced change in many ways. A face lift to the already spacious and nicely appointed conference center and lobby greet patrons as they enter the tiered main room. As menus change slightly depending on the production, the food for the dinner portion of the experience has improved with each show I have attended.

Under producing artistic director Patrick A'Hearn's leadership as an administrator - and often director of shows - Riverside's onstage menu has also gotten better and better. A'Hearn's mission is to bring Broadway caliber entertainment to the region and he seems to know how to hire the right people to help him accomplish the goal. Regionally known actors and directors, a stable of solid professionals, and new discovers come together under A'Hearn's visionary guidance to enliven many a lucky audience member. I have seen most of the recent musicals, and the first non-musical a few seasons ago (STEEL MAGNOLIAS) and I am continually impressed.

Take their second non-musical, the current production, Alfred Uhry's gentle and poignant DRIVING MISS DAISY. From the expertly cast trio of actors, evocative design work, and a sure director's hand, DRIVING MISS DAISY has been broughT Lovingly to life that is sure to warm hearts young and old.

The play is certainly a modern chestnut, since it first wowed audiences in the 1980's onstage and then in the award-winning film adaptation starring Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, and Dan Aykroyd. A staple of regional and community theaters, the play's message of friendship and tolerance is timeless, and probably one that we need about right now. If you recently arrived from one of Saturn's moons, let me catch you up on Uhry's little play: In Atlanta, Ga, circa late-1950s, a fiesty, retired school teacher and widow wrecks her car one too many times. Despite her protestations of independence and frugality, her grown son hires a driver to help his mother get to the store and around town. Daisy, elderly and Jewish, at first does not take kindly to her son Boolie's interference and nearly ignores Hoke, a mature black man with a charm and simplicity that slowly wins over Mrs. Werthan. The Civil Rights Movement provides a historical backdrop to the play's simple story of a growing friendship despite obvious differences. As the outside world grows volatile, Daisy and Hoke grow old together and form a bond that is strong and unique.

With a strong play to work with, the director and cast of Riverside's DRIVING MISS DAISY

does not disappoint. Known in the Washington-Metro area as an actor and director of renown, Rick Hammerly brings to the table his immense experience and eye for detail that adds depth to an already insightful modern classic.

Hammerly is lucky to have three gifted actors as his Daisy, Hoke and Boolie, starting with headliner Karen Grassle as the elderly protagonist. Grassle, known to generations of TV fans as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls from the long-running LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. An accomplished teacher and stage actress, Grassle embodies all the qualities that we expect from Miss Daisy - her direct manner, her quick wit, her staunch independence and sense of pride, and her nearly hidden heart of gold. Grassle's wig and costume work well with her abilities to convincingly play Daisy from her 70's to her 90's. Kudos to Riverside for snagging an actress of Grassle's reputation and skill to star in this production.

Appearing as Daisy's chauffeur Hoke, Riverside was also lucky to hire Bill Grimmette who brings his own strong and humorous interpretation to the equally independent man of pride and grace. Grimmette matches Grassle in their scenes together and each makes a strong impression in these iconic roles. In a play that rings with laughter, there are also moments of poignancy and ones that sting with the truth of history. Grimmette's skill as an actor also shines when he, as Hoke, recounts to Miss Daisy the story of seeing his friend's father hanging in a tree as a result of a lynching long ago.

As Daisy's loving and patient son, Boolie, Riverside veteran Alan Hoffman makes the most of his time onstage. Hoffman plays off of both Grimmette and Grassle very well and the three together make beautiful stage magic.

Hammerly's triumvirate cast's performance are supported ably by the evocative design work, starting with Chris Raintree's impressionistic scenery that suggests the elegance of Atlanta, the cozy quarters of Daisy's home, and several other locations through the use of simple sets and subtle projections throughout the show. Michael Jarett's lighting gilds the lily. Another member of the Riverside stable of talented production staff members, Gaye Law, provides the period costumes that move the story along through time and the changes in the character's ages.

Having nothing but praise for DRIVING MISS DAISY, I simply say don't miss it; you have until November 8 to join Daisy and Hoke on their remarkable ride.

Follow Jeff Walker on Twitter - @jeffwalker66

DRIVING MISS DAISY by Alfred Uhry

Directed by Rick Hammerly

Running time: 90 minutes - no intermission.

DRIVING MISS DAISY at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts runs September 28 - November 6. For more information or tickets, click HERE

Single Ticket sales, subscriptions/Groups: 540.370.4300.

The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts • 95 Riverside Parkway • Fredericksburg, VA 22406

Photo Credit: RIVERSIDE CENTER