(Joplin, MO) – Joplin Little Theatre invites the community to the 1988 Pulitzer Prize winning play, Driving Miss Daisy, which will take the stage on February 2 – 6. The play, written by Alfred Uhry, chronicles 25 years in the life of Daisy Werthan, a rich Jewish widow, and her proud, soft-spoken Black chauffer, Hoke Coleburn. It is set in post-war Atlanta and follows the unlikely friendship that slowly evolves between two people of very different backgrounds.
Directed by Greg Green, the show stars Lisa Olliges as Daisy, Keenan Cortez as Hoke, and Shaun Conroy as Daisy’s son, Boolie.
“We scheduled a talk-back to follow the Thursday performance so our audience can learn from the actors what their thoughts are about these characters,” said Director Greg Green. “This friendship develops from 1948 to 1973. The play is a great vehicle for a discussion about race relations, respect, and human dignity from both characters’ perspectives.”
“I am very excited about playing the role of Hoke Coleburn in the upcoming production of Driving Miss Daisy,” said Keenan Cortez. “It is definitely stretching me in a good way. I hope that the audience will take away from the show the importance of relationships. We oftentimes wish for ‘drive-thru’ style relationships that are quick and convenient and deprive ourselves of things that take time to develop. This play illustrates for us that with time, a deep and meaningful bond can be made, even if the people are from two differing worlds. I’m excited for the community to witness this unfold in the story of Hoke and Miss Daisy.”
“Daisy is a woman who has always been independent and she struggles with facing the loss of some of her independence as she ages,” said Lisa Olliges. “She finds more than a driver in Hoke and their unique relationship spans decades and gives us a view of how friendship can be colorblind. This is an amazingly touching play and excellently written to share powerful moments between these two people.
Tickets are available now for the production, which begins at 7:30 pm, February 2 –5 and at 2:30 pm, February 6. Order tickets online at www.joplinlittletheatre.org or call the box office at 417.623.3638.
Reference:
Joplin Little Theatre
417.623.3638
info@joplinlittletheatre.org
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