DRIVING MISS DAISY to Begin 9/26 at Ford's Theatre

The Ford's Theatre Society 2014-2015 season begins with Nancy Robinette and Craig Wallace in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Driving Miss Daisy," directed by Jennifer L. Nelson, September 26 through October 26, 2014, at Ford's Theatre (511 Tenth Street NW, Washington, D.C.). The cast also includes Ron Heneghan as Boolie Werthan.

When Daisy Werthan causes a car wreck, her son hires hard-working chauffeur Hoke Coleburn to look after her. What begins as a hostile clashing of wills between a stubborn Jewish matriarch and a proud black man evolves into a decades-long friendship as the two navigate Civil Rights-era Atlanta. With humor and heartfelt emotion, Alfred Uhry's beloved play poignantly explores the transformative power of true friendship.

"For me, 'Driving Miss Daisy' is an exploration of change in American society," said Director Jennifer L. Nelson. "Daisy and Hoke are both outsiders in their own ways, and the story is a testament to two people pushing past their personal limitations and discovering parts of themselves they had forgotten: warmth, humility and love."

"'Driving Miss Daisy' is a show that I have wanted to produce at Ford's for several years, but one that I could only imagine with Nancy and Craig in the leading roles. I am thrilled that the stars have aligned and that audiences will soon see these tremendous Washington actors bring their characters to life," said Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND OFFERS

There will be audio-described performances of "Driving Miss Daisy" on Saturday, October 11, at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. A sign-interpreted performance is Thursday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m. A captioned performance is Saturday, October 25, at 2 p.m.

Ford's Theatre offers a free "Driving Miss Daisy" preview performance and pre-show workshop to D.C.-area educators on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. This program provides teachers with valuable resources for teaching social studies and English Language Arts themes using theatrical experiences. Priority is given to teachers who have made arrangements to bring their students to the "Driving Miss Daisy" student matinee performances on October 9, 16 and 23 at 11 a.m. Teacher workshops include dinner and are free for up to 20 teachers. R.S.V.P. to education@fords.org by September 25, 2014.

Following the 2 p.m. performance of "Driving Miss Daisy" on October 5, director Jennifer L. Nelson and assistant director Rick Hammerly will be on hand to discuss the production with audience members at a Meet and Mingle event. This free event takes place at the restaurant Bistro D'Oc, located just across the street from Ford's Theatre. A cash bar will be available. Tickets to the October 5 performances are not required to attend the Meet and Mingle.

Patrons age 35 and under are invited to attend Under 35 Night for "Driving Miss Daisy," Wednesday, October 8. Use promo code UNDER35 to purchase $18 tickets to the October 8, 7:30 p.m. performance, then stay late for a complimentary glass of wine. Spend time with other young arts fans, meet new people and see Ford's Theatre in a brand new light. Purchase tickets in advance through Ticketmaster online or by calling (800) 982-2787. Patrons must show valid ID at the Ford's Theatre Box Office when claiming Under 35 tickets. Limit of six per person.

Ford's Theatre partners with UrbanSitter (a quick and efficient online booking system for finding babysitters and nannies) to offer parents $10 off the service when booking for a performance of "Driving Miss Daisy." If this is your first booking on UrbanSitter, simply enter code FORDS10 on the UrbanSitter website, urbansitter.com. Offer subject to UrbanSitter, Inc.'s Terms of Service. First-time customers only. Recipient must become a registered user of UrbanSitter with valid credit card on file to redeem offer. Restrictions include sitter availability, sitters who accept electronic payments, and service to requested location (not all areas served). UrbanSitter reserves the right to modify these terms. Must be redeemed by December 31, 2014.

Senior citizens (60+) may purchase discounted tickets to weekday and weekend matinees of "Driving Miss Daisy" at Ford's Theatre in the premium orchestra and rear orchestra. These tickets may be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster online or by calling (800) 982-2787. Patrons must show ID at the Ford's Theatre Box Office. Limit of two per person. Senior "Driving Miss Daisy" prices are: weekday matinees: $31; weekend matinees: $34.

Ford's Theatre Society - One of the most visited sites in the nation's capital, Ford's Theatre reopened its doors in 1968, more than a hundred years after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Operated through a partnership between Ford's Theatre Society and the National Park Service, Ford's Theatre is the premier destination in the nation's capital to explore and celebrate Abraham Lincoln's ideals and leadership principles: courage, integrity, tolerance, equality and creative expression.

The Ford's Theatre Society was founded under the guidance of executive producer Frankie Hewitt, who, during her 35-year tenure, established Ford's as a living, working theatre producing performances that highlighted the diversity of the American experience. Since the arrival of Paul R. Tetreault as Director, critics and the theatregoing public have recognized Ford's for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the nationally acclaimed "Big River" to the world premieres of "Meet John Doe," "The Heavens Are Hung In Black," "Liberty Smith" and "Necessary Sacrifices," Ford's Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape. Under the leadership of Wayne R. Reynolds, Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus (Chairman 2007 to 2012), the mission of Ford's Theatre Society expanded to include education as a central pillar. This expansion led to the creation and construction of the Center for Education and Leadership, which opened in February 2012. Currently, under the leadership of Board of Trustees Chairman Eric A. Spiegel, Ford's enters a second phase of strategic planning to ensure the organization's place as a national destination for exploring Lincoln's legacy and the American experience through the intersection of history, performance and education.

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