“Driving Miss Daisy,” the Pulitzer Prize winning play that inspired the Academy Award winning production is the opening selection for the Maysville Players 58th season.
“We are always looking for plays with which the audience has some familiarity,” said Mike Thomas, producing director for the local theatre company. “This show is certainly much loved and we hope audiences flock to see this beautiful story take place live on stage.”
Production dates are Oct. 24-17 and Oct. 31-Nov. 3 with curtain times at 7 p.m., on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the historic Washington Opera House, 116 West Second Street in downtown Maysville.
Tickets cost $20 for adults/$15 for seniors age 65 and above, and $10 for all students 18 and under. Each Thursday performance offers all seats for $10; non-reserved and only available at the Opera House box office one hour-prior to those performances.
For reservations, call 606-564-3666 or visit www.maysvilleplayers.net to select, reserve, and pay for tickets on-line.
Written by Alfred Uhry, “Driving Miss Daisy” is set in the deep South of 1948 where the wealthy Miss Daisy; a rich, sharped-tongued Jewish widow must rely on the services of a thoughtful, unemployed black man named Hoke. In a series of scenes spanning 25 years the pair, despite their differences, grow closer to each other as the world spins and changes around.”
“This play certainly still resonates with today’s political and cultural climate,” Thomas explained. “Unfortunately, some of the themes about the decades from the 40s to the 70s are still in sight in 2019.”
The title role is played by Paulette Roberts. She has appeared with the Players in “Christmas Belles,” “Truman Capote’s Holiday Memories,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Our Town.” Most recently, she captivated audiences in the title role of “Mother Hicks.”
The role of Hoke is played by David Green, marketing director for Comprehend, Inc. David has been featured in Players’ productions of “Christmas Belles,” “Almost, Maine,” “The Boys Next Door,” “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel,” “The Odd Couple,” “Harvey,” and “Heaven Can Wait.”
An audience favorite, Eric Lohman is cast as Boolie, the son of Miss Daisy.” Lohman has charmed audiences with roles in “Christmas Belles,” “Peter Pan,” “A Tuna Christmas,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “The Boys Next Door,” “Noises Off,” “Tuna Does Vegas,” “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “The Odd Couple,” “Rumors,” and “Harvey.”
“All three are fine actors and dear friends to me,” Thomas said. “Rehearsals have been a joy in watching them discover their characters and relationships.”
Tammy Gast serves as stage manager. The set design is by Mike Lewis. Lynda Matuzak is the lighting designer.
