Sunday, February 1, 2015

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS FOR A DELIGHTFUL "DRIVING MISS DAISY"


 

Fasten your seat belts for Miss Daisy Werthan of Atlanta, Georgia is at the wheel of her three week old 1948 Packard. Unfortunately the car "misbehaved" and demolished itself, a two car garage and a free standing tool shed. This was clearly the fault of the machine and was no reflection on her driving skills.

Miss Daisy is a fine and upstanding Southern gentlewoman of the Jewish persuasion, one who refuses to acknowledge she is well-to-do.  She also refuses to listen to her son Boolie who insists she must surrender her car keys and let him hire a colored gentleman to chauffeur her to the Piggly-Wiggly for groceries and to the Temple for worship.  This feisty woman guards her independence like it is a prized possession. She resists her new and unwanted driver Hoke's persuasive ways for six long frustrating days, the same amount of time it took God to create the world.  That both happened are genuine miracles.
 
Until Sunday, February  22, you are invited to make the acquaintance of this genteel lady with a backbone of steel as Music Theatre of Connecticut  presents a delightful thoroughly production of the Pulitzer Prize- winning "Driving Miss Daisy" by Alfred Uhry.
 
Rebecca Hoodwin is wonderful as the opinionated, feisty and fiercely independent Daisy who refuses to give up control of her life.   Michael Boland is the loving and loyal son Boolie who knows his mama is a "doodle" but understands what's best for her.  To that end, he interviews and hires Hoke Colburn, played with wisdom and quiet dignity by Lorenzo Scott, to escort his mama around town.
 
With stubborn resistance, Miss Daisy tries Hoke's patience and over their twenty-five year journey together they form a genuine friendship that is endearing to watch.  Eventually even Miss Daisy admits that Hoke, her unwanted and unneeded companion, is her "best friend."  Kevin Connors directs this superb trio with white-gloved sensitivity.
 
For tickets ($30-50, seniors and students $25-45), call Music Theatre of Connecticut, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk at their new location in the Melissa and Doug Theatre (behind Nine West and Jones New York) at 203-454-3883 or online at www.musictheatreofct.com.  Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Mark your calendars for two special events at MTC: New Voices presents "Page to Stage" on Saturday, February 28 at 8 p.m., ($20), a concert that provides a behind the scenes look at how new musicals are built and "A Broad's Way" on Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m, featuring Jodi Stevens in a cabaret performance of her illustrious Broadway career, songs and stories that are sure to delight ($30-40, with a glass of complimentary wine).
 
Take a seat in Miss Daisy's Packard for a smooth ride, with a few bumps like prejudice and racism, as Hoke chauffeurs you along Miss Daisy's interesting life in a sentimental and gentle waltz of a play. 

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