Theater Review: 'Driving Miss Daisy' Is a 'Wondrous' Production
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Alfred Uhry's "Driving Miss Daisy" rolled into the St. Germain Stage in late May, marking the opening of Barrington Stage Company's 2026 season.
And what a wondrous, welcoming production it is. Uhry won a Pulitzer Prize for his work; he won an Oscar for the 1989 film adaptation of the play, which also won the Best Picture Oscar. Yes, that's how good it is.
Daisy Werthan is a 72-year-old white Jewish widow in Atlanta whose car accident destroyed her Packard — and her chance to ever drive herself again.
"Mama, we are just going to have to hire someone to drive you," her adult son Boolie tells her.
She is adamant: "What I do not want — and absolutely will not have — is some chauffeur sitting in my kitchen, gobbling my food and running up my phone bill."
Enter Hoke Colburn, an unemployed African-American illiterate who grew up in rural Georgia during the Jim Crow-era South. Boolie hires him at $20 a week, and in a span of 85 minutes and a decade or so, this odd couple develop a tight bond that overcomes their cultural, gender and class differences.
Though she's living in a racially explosive time in the South, the irascible Miss Daisy doesn't consider herself racist, nor does she fully accept the realities of the racist culture that has even resulted in a bombing at her own synagogue (a true event in Atlanta, in 1958).
Uhry wrote "Driving Miss Daisy" as part of a dramatic trilogy that focuses on his experiences as a Jew living in Atlanta during volatile racial upheavals during those years and, with Daisy in particular, those of his own real-life grandmother.
Miss Daisy has never thought of herself as a racist yet she indulges in prejudiced behavior, such as not inviting Hoke to a speech she attends given by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. until Hoke is driving her to the venue. She also falsely accuses Hoke of stealing from her pantry; as she tells her son, "they all take things, you know."
When she later expresses delight at how much "things are changing," Hoke snaps right back at her: "They ain't changed all that much."
For his part, Hoke admirably asserts himself and avoids becoming a caricature; it's up to him to gradually make Miss Daisy aware of her own biases and of the intense racial divide in her community. He shocks her into silence with his description of the lynching of someone close to him.
The cast is superb: Debra Jo Rupp (a Barrington Stage favorite as Miss Daisy), Ray Anthony Thomas (as Hoke) and Matthew W. Korinko burnish their roles with natural on-stage camaraderie which never seems forced. Julianne Boyd deftly directs with sensitivity and a keen sense of the script's humor and pathos. Bert Scott's set designs depict several different locations — living room, car, office — a wonder on such a small stage. Even the soundtrack of period music enhances this meditation on aging, dignity and quiet friendships.
"Driving Miss Daisy" ends its run at the St. Germain Stage on Sunday, June 21, and moves to the '62 Center at Williams College from June 26 through July 5. For more information, call 413-242-6411.
Steer yourself to the St. Germain Stage or the '62 Center. Bring Kleenex.
SPOTLIGHT ON: RAY ANTHONY THOMAS
We chatted with the 69-year-old actor between performances, about the Berkshires, tee time and his Williamstown wishes. He can't wait to come back!
What was your very first impression of the Berkshires?
Before I ever came here, friends told me how beautiful the area was. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere here is so calm, so beautiful. My wife and I live in New York and there's nothing better than getting away from the city and getting into nature.
Is she with you this time?
[Laughs] No, she's an actress and she's busy working on working. I'm hoping she can make it to Williamstown when we open there.
Have you had a chance to try any of our great restaurants?
We had dinner at Rare 297/Steakhouse, inside the hotel on North Street in Pittsfield. Now that was delicious.
When you're not working, do you still visit the area?
Oh yes. I've been there over and over, even if I'm not doing theater. I like to explore the towns. I like to play golf. I have a friend who lives in Pittsfield and we hit the public golf courses whenever we can. I wouldn't call myself a golfer; I just like to hit a few balls around. We're commuting to Williamstown every day next week, so I'm hoping to be able to see as much as I can. I've made a list.
What's on top of your list?
Mount Greylock. Several people told me I must get up there to see that gorgeous monument and watch the sunset. When it comes to food, I love sushi, and want to eat at the Blue Mango. I hear it's great and have that written down as well. I'm sure I'll be back!
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