Dramatic License Productions' 2011 season opener is a charming presentation of DRIVING MISS DAISY. The revival of this play has been enjoying a run in NYC at the John Golden Theatre since October 2010, starring Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones, but will close in April. Now is a great opportunity to see St. Louis' production that will close sooner than that, but luckily, it's easier to get to Chesterfield than it is to get to NYC.
So, it's become obvious that it's just not safe for Daisy Werthan to drive herself anymore. Her son Boolie has broken the news to her that whether she likes it or not, she's getting a driver, and Hoke Coleburn is the man for the job. Both Daisy, a Jewish widow, and Hoke, a folksy black Southerner, are strong, proud personalities. Daisy is convinced her accident was the car's fault, that LaSalles are better than Packards, and consistently denies claims that she's rich, often referring to her rough days coming up on Forsyth Street. Hoke is an easy talker who appreciates Jews, and doesn't mind telling you of their virtuous thrift.
