WADESBORO — Miss Daisy will drive in to the Ansonia Theatre this weekend, and the Anson County Arts Council expects eager crowds to come see her.
Miss Daisy (played by Libby Dandridge) will be joined by her son, Boolie (played by Mark Traywick) and chauffeur, Hoke Colburn (played by Leon Gatewood) in “Driving Miss Daisy.”
The play tells the story of Miss Daisy and Hoke’s growing friendship during a time of racial tensions and when Miss Daisy, a Jewish widow, is dealing with local acts of anti-Semitism. Although Hoke begins as an illiterate chauffeur, their friendship grows as Miss Daisy helps him to learn to read and they spend time together.
From the time Hoke joins her in 1948 through their friendship, the two face social change as their relationship grows despite their many differences.
The classic play (which was made into a movie featuring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman in 1989) was written by Alfred Uhry. The local production will be directed by Tommy Wooten with Gina Clarke.
The play will open this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. It will show again next weekend at the same times.
Tickets are $15 and are available through the arts council or Lacy’s. Reserved seating is available, and PayPal is accepted at ansoniatheatre.com. For more information, visit the website or call the arts council at 704-694-4950.
Reach Anson Record reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-694-2161, ext. 2302, and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.