|
Driving Miss Daisy
By Alfred Uhry
Directed by Alison c. Vesely, SSDC
Produced by First Folio Shakespeare Festival
At Mayslake Peabody Estate
31st St. & Rt.83
Oak Brook, IL
Call 630-986-8067, tickets $26 adults, $21 seniors/students
Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Special matinees on Thursday April 10 @ 1:00
Wednesday April 23 @ 1:00 pm
Thursday April 24 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday April 27 @ 7:30 pm
Monday April 28 @ 1:00 pm
Sunday May 4 @ 7:30 pm
Running time is 90 minutes without intermission
Through May 4, 2008
Tightly written drama about friendship, racial tension and aging is beautifully performed.
You’d be hard pressed to find a finer drama to see than First Folio Shakespeare Festival’s moving Driving Miss Daisy now running at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Theatre doesn’t get any better than this show. It has all the elements: a superb tightly written script that won a Pulitzer Prize for Alfred Uhry. The cast performs marvelously: Jill Shallabarger as Daisy Werthan and D.J. Howard as Hoke Coleburn with terrific work from David Rice as Boolie Werthan.
Driving Miss Daisy tells the story of the 25 year relationship between an elderly Southern Jewish matron, Daisy, and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke. From 1948 through 1973 in Atlanta, Hoke drove Miss Daisy around town. With each having stubborn will power and fierce independence of spirit, the two aging souls grew to be fast friends. This delicate and nicely paced one act, under the smooth direction of Alison Vesely, unfolds as a warm-hearted drama of respect, dignity and friendship. The power of this work lies in the very human and truthful characterizations from the fabulous cast. Jill Shellabarger has the sharp wit, spot-on timing as the crusty Jewish matron. Shellabarger effectively ages before our eyes and quite subtly exudes her love and respect for Hoke. D. J. Howard was marvelous as the classy, loyal and reliable chauffeur. Howard is funny and deeply truthful as he conveys much with a glance or a shrug. The chemistry between Shellabarger and Howard is understated but telling. David Rice is outstanding as Boolie, Daisy’s son and voice of change in Atlanta.
Driving Miss Daisy is a small gem of a relationship play that demonstrates the strength of mutual respect, loyalty and the power of quiet dignity. It is a heartwarming story that transcends racial boundaries and aptly depicts the aging process that awaits us all. First Folio’s production is tight and flawless. Don’t miss this jewel.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Jeff Recommended
|
