BWW Reviews: Dramatic License Productions' Heart-Warming Production of DRIVING MISS DAISY

It's easy to see why playwright Alfred Uhry's Driving Miss Daisy was so successfully adapted for the movies. The episodic structure of Uhry's work, along with its brevity (running a scant 75 minutes), make it a perfect candidate for the big screen. But, don't be content sitting at home watching the award-winning film on DVD, check out a stellar live staging by Dramatic License Productions, which features a very talented cast working under the guidance of an excellent director.

When Daisy Werthan wrecks her car, the garage, and a small shed, it's decided by her son Boolie that she's to refrain from ever getting behind the wheel again. Instead, Boolie hires Hoke Coleburn to sire his feisty mother around, but things get off to a rather rocky start, as she avoids utilizing his services for the first six days. However, over the course of time (1948-1973), the pair develop a mutual understanding and respect that blossoms into a true friendship. Through her sometimes contentious relationship with Hoke, Daisy is able to rekindle something inside of her that allows her to grow again as a person.

Sally Eaton is a joy to watch as the cantankerous Daisy, full of bluster and stubborn as the day is long, she gradually warms up to the idea of a chauffeur, but insists the driving be done according to her specific instructions, which Hoke playfully ignores, of course. Dennis Lebby also delivers a gem of a performance as Hoke, good-natured to a point, he's willing to put up with the peculiar demands of his charge until it infringes upon own rights, or seems to lack common sense. Together, they are wonderfully matched, and their spirited sparring amuses greatly. B. Weller also contributes splendid work as Boolie, who's trying to juggle his business concerns while dealing with the demands of his mother.

Annamaria Pileggi directs with a sure hand, and there's nary a false moment or flub to be found here. The pace is upbeat without ever seeming rushed, and the cast seems focused and in tune with one another. Courtney Sanazaro-Sloey's scenic design is elegant and unadorned, conjuring up the various locations with effective simplicity. Ian Stoutenburgh's lighting neatly captures each mood change, and Jane Sullivan's costumes evoke the various time periods that occur (mostly with Boolie's outfits), as well as providing good character fits.

Dramatic License Productions has put together a heart-warming and perfectly charming production of Driving Miss Daisy, and it continues in the Artropolis at Chesterfield Mall through March 27, 2011.

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