Driving Miss Daisy

Play

Writers: Alfred Uhry

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1987
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
Atlanta, 1948-1973
Cast Size
small
Ideal for
small cast, community theatre, professional theatre, elderly cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes mature adult, elderly, adult characters

Synopsis

Pulitzer Prize-winning, Driving Miss Daisy, is set in Atlanta and spans twenty-five years, from 1948 to 1973. When Daisy Wertham, a stubborn, elderly Southern widow, crashes her new car into the neighbor’s garage, her son, Boolie, forces her to take on a chauffeur. He employs Hoke Coleburn, much to her chagrin. At first, Daisy refuses to rely on a black man to get her from one place to the next and Hoke spends two weeks sitting in the kitchen doing nothing. Gradually, however, Daisy’s prejudices are broken down and, against all odds, he becomes her best friend. Daisy teaches Hoke to read and write, while Hoke encourages Daisy to let go of her insecurities. Alfred Uhro’s delicate drama explores the experience of aging while the world around you moves forwards at great pace.

Lead Characters


Driving Miss Daisy guide sections