To discuss long term relationships, the best works of art focus on small moments. No play demonstrates that more than the 1988 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama, Alfred Uhry’s “Driving Miss Daisy.” Now, 28 years later, this play comprised of small moments has made its way to back the Peterborough Players.
It tells the story of the crotchety, old Miss Daisy who slowly befriends an African-American man named Hoke Coleburn that her son, Boolie, hires to drive her when she’s deemed a danger a behind the wheel. Boolie is played by Kraig Swartz, Miss Daisy by Carolyn Michel and Hoke by Taurean Blacque, whom you might remember as Det. Neal Washington from “Hill Street Blues.”
The play contains no major shocks or surprises; instead, it is content to show the interactions between two very different people and how a friendship can form between them.
With a play as simple as this, one must rely entirely on the actors to keep the audience’s interest, and these actors do not disappoint. Mr. Swartz imbues Boolie with a perfect mix of earnestness and exasperation, however, it is Blaque and Michel’s show. As the show progresses through its 20 years, the actors work as a well-oiled machine. One gets the feeling that they know each other well. Both avoid what could have become moments of saccharine sweetness, like when Miss Daisy gifts Hoke a Jewish, non-Christmas gift, and instead opt for warm understanding. They do a great service to their characters by not racing towards sentimentality and instead keep within the bounds of realism.
The rest of the production elements simply augment an already strong foundation. The set includes a border around the stage, making it seem like the whole play is simply a scrapbook come to life. The running time is 90 minutes with no intermission, which feels correct; any longer and a play with so little conflict might outstay its welcome.
It plays well in a venue like the Peterborough Players, as the intimacy of the material can be felt by the entire audience. This may be the most important factor of all, as a show such as this truly depends on its connection with the audience.
This production is a worthwhile watch, an opportunity to see truly great performances and to experience a play that understands relationships like no other.