BWW Reviews: Forum Theatre's DRIVING MISS DAISY Delivers

Driving Miss Daisy, by Alfred Uhry and directed by Deb Campbell, will run for one more weekend at Forum Theatre. Catch this beautifully staged Pulitzer Prize masterpiece while you can.

At the heart of the script is an unconventional love story of sorts. An African American is hired to drive the cantankerous titular character when she is no longer fit to drive herself, much to her chagrin. Set against a backdrop of civil rights and tempestuous social climate, the endearing characters teach us an important lesson: the value of humanity.

The cast consists of three Wichita theatre veterans: Gina Austin, Ray Wills and Huron Breaux. Though the cast is small, it is mighty. Gina Austin will capture your heart as she evolves. The demands of the script include a passage of twenty-five years, which challenges even the best of actors, and she does it with ease. Huron Breaux has a natural, honest portrayal. His physicality as the driver, Hoke, was inspired. Ray Wills, a former drama student of Austin, plays her son. He is a Wichita theatre treasure.

Deb Campbell, director of the production, knows how to tell a story. Every moment was clear and meaningful without being over sentimental. The set, designed by Tyler Lessin, was beautiful and simple. Costumes were designed by Kathy Page Hauptman and seamslely progressed through the decades. Original music, composed by Paul Jackson, served as an underscore for the evening. After establishing the melody, Daisy's Theme, he uses nine different variations to enrich the text.

There will be a Talk Back on Thursday January 30th directly following the performance. The audience is invited to ask questions and participate in a discussion about the production.

Driving Miss Daisy will run one more weekend- from Thursday January 30th to Saturday February 1st at 8:00 pm and Sunday February 2nd at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $23 Thursday and Sunday and $25 Friday and Saturday. Forum Theatre is located at 147 S Hillside. For tickets call (316)618- 0444. For more information, visit www.forumwichita.com.

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