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Atlanta Trilogy
Driving Miss Daisy
Presents a play about the relationship of an elderly Southern white woman and her black driver.
51 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
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About the author
Alfred Uhry
14 books22 followersAlfred Uhry was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His book for the musical version of Eudora Welty's The Robber Bridegroom was Tony nominated in 1976. Driving Miss Daisy won the Pulitzer Prize, and The Last Night of Ballyhoo and his book for the musical Parade won Tony Awards. In 2006 his play Without Walls, starring Laurence Fishburne, opened in Los Angeles, and Edgardo Mine opened at the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. He has also written the book for Lovemusik, which opened on Broadway in May 2007. Screenplays include Mystic Pizza, Rich in Love, and I'll Take Virginia.
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November 23, 2016
Driving Miss Daisy is Alfred Uhry's 1988 Pulitzer winning play that put him on the map as a premier southern playwright. A play containing only three roles, Daisy is an exploration of what it means to be Jewish, black, and elderly in the ever changing south. Although only 47 pages in length, the play contained enough drama to be made into a movie starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, which garnered them Oscar nominations. Packing many themes into these short pages, this written version captivated me and made me feel as though I was in the theater watching it performed.
Seventy two year old Daisy Werthan lives alone and should no longer be driving herself. Her son, powerful businessman Boolie Werthan has arranged for Hoke Coleburn to be her chauffeur. Stubborn, Daisy believes she is still more than capable of driving herself, and demonstrates here that just because one is aging does not make one slow minded. Additionally, Daisy does not like the idea of an African American in her home even though she has had a Negro housekeeper for the past thirty years. In the end, Boolie wins out and Hoke is hired.
This play takes place over the course of twenty five years. It shows Daisy and her daughter in law Florine as archetypical Atlanta Jews who have assimilated to blend in with society yet still insist on going to Temple every week. Hoke behaves as a hard working Southern gentleman yet due to the color of his skin, Daisy is still apprehensive of trusting him during the first three quarters of the play. Yet, because this play spans the course of a quarter century, it is evident that the two develop an affectionate friendship. Uhry also uses Hoke and Daisy to relate how in the South both African Americans and Jews faced discrimination from society at large and shared empathy with one another.
Because this play starred elderly characters, I found it charming yet transformative due to the themes that Uhry relays to the audience. When the movie came out, I was too young to appreciate the characters, but at this stage in my life, as I recently watched my parents deal with my elderly grandmothers, I was able to sympathize with Boolie as he watched his mother become a nonagenarian in need of constant care. This theme of aging although important takes a back seat to Urhy's take on race in the south, which still resonates today and makes this play timely nearly thirty years later.
Alfred Uhry in Driving Miss Daisy has created memorable characters and merits the Pulitzer for its rap on age, race, and religion. Even though these characters only received mere pages of print, they will stay with me for a long time, and the play still merits a solid 4.5 stars in spite of its length. Uhry is clearly a premier playwright and I look forward to reading his other works.
Seventy two year old Daisy Werthan lives alone and should no longer be driving herself. Her son, powerful businessman Boolie Werthan has arranged for Hoke Coleburn to be her chauffeur. Stubborn, Daisy believes she is still more than capable of driving herself, and demonstrates here that just because one is aging does not make one slow minded. Additionally, Daisy does not like the idea of an African American in her home even though she has had a Negro housekeeper for the past thirty years. In the end, Boolie wins out and Hoke is hired.
This play takes place over the course of twenty five years. It shows Daisy and her daughter in law Florine as archetypical Atlanta Jews who have assimilated to blend in with society yet still insist on going to Temple every week. Hoke behaves as a hard working Southern gentleman yet due to the color of his skin, Daisy is still apprehensive of trusting him during the first three quarters of the play. Yet, because this play spans the course of a quarter century, it is evident that the two develop an affectionate friendship. Uhry also uses Hoke and Daisy to relate how in the South both African Americans and Jews faced discrimination from society at large and shared empathy with one another.
Because this play starred elderly characters, I found it charming yet transformative due to the themes that Uhry relays to the audience. When the movie came out, I was too young to appreciate the characters, but at this stage in my life, as I recently watched my parents deal with my elderly grandmothers, I was able to sympathize with Boolie as he watched his mother become a nonagenarian in need of constant care. This theme of aging although important takes a back seat to Urhy's take on race in the south, which still resonates today and makes this play timely nearly thirty years later.
Alfred Uhry in Driving Miss Daisy has created memorable characters and merits the Pulitzer for its rap on age, race, and religion. Even though these characters only received mere pages of print, they will stay with me for a long time, and the play still merits a solid 4.5 stars in spite of its length. Uhry is clearly a premier playwright and I look forward to reading his other works.
March 15, 2025
Every insurance company in America is lined up in the driveway waving their fountain pens and falling all over themselves to get you to sign on. Everybody wants Daisy Werthan, the only woman in the history of driving to demolish a three week old Packard, a two car garage and free standing tool shed in one fell swoop!
Driving Miss Daisy ~~ Alfred Uhry
Sometimes the most simple of theatrical ideas can be the most charming. Herein lies the power of Driving Miss Daisy .
The aging Miss Daisy is a fighter; she fought poverty on Forsyth Street in her youth and now she is battling the effects of growing old and what she perceives as interference from her son who only wants to take care of his mother. Miss Daisy's brittle facade eventually softens when faced with the easy pragmatism of Hoke, the black chauffeur she reluctantly comes to accept and eventually befriends.
Much has been made of the play’s themes of racism and anti-semitism. For me, those are the minor themes of Driving Miss Daisy . The major themes here are much more intimate ~~ friendship and the onset of old age, and how Miss Daisy & Hoke navigate the changes they both face over the course of the next 25 years. A retired school teacher, Daisy teaches Hoke to read, and this forms the beginning of their friendship. The journey that Hoke & Miss Daisy take together is far from easy.
And yes, Uhry focuses on racial tension and bigotry at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. It is plain to see that things have not changed that much. Blacks are still treated as inferior in the South and Jews, not that much better. Sadly racism goes on in America.
There is so much to love in Driving Miss Daisy . In the end, it is clear that Daisy & Hoke have lived very different lives, but just by spending so much time together, they come to understand and accept each other; no, they come to appreciate each other.
Driving Miss Daisy ~~ Alfred Uhry
Sometimes the most simple of theatrical ideas can be the most charming. Herein lies the power of Driving Miss Daisy .
The aging Miss Daisy is a fighter; she fought poverty on Forsyth Street in her youth and now she is battling the effects of growing old and what she perceives as interference from her son who only wants to take care of his mother. Miss Daisy's brittle facade eventually softens when faced with the easy pragmatism of Hoke, the black chauffeur she reluctantly comes to accept and eventually befriends.
Much has been made of the play’s themes of racism and anti-semitism. For me, those are the minor themes of Driving Miss Daisy . The major themes here are much more intimate ~~ friendship and the onset of old age, and how Miss Daisy & Hoke navigate the changes they both face over the course of the next 25 years. A retired school teacher, Daisy teaches Hoke to read, and this forms the beginning of their friendship. The journey that Hoke & Miss Daisy take together is far from easy.
And yes, Uhry focuses on racial tension and bigotry at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. It is plain to see that things have not changed that much. Blacks are still treated as inferior in the South and Jews, not that much better. Sadly racism goes on in America.
There is so much to love in Driving Miss Daisy . In the end, it is clear that Daisy & Hoke have lived very different lives, but just by spending so much time together, they come to understand and accept each other; no, they come to appreciate each other.
March 30, 2016
"Driving Miss Daisy" is the first play in Uhry's "Atlanta Trilogy", which focuses on Jewish residents in Atlanta in the 20th century. It won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for drama, and the subsequent 1989 movie won the Oscar for best picture. It's portrayal of race relations brought it's share of criticism, especially for the movie. But being reminded of our past is necessary, because knowing where we have been can help us know where to go, that is if we have enough sense to learn.
February 24, 2025
نمایشنامه کوتاه و قشنگی بود. این نمایش بین سال های ۱۹۴۸ تا ۱۹۷۳ در آتلانتای ایالت جورجیا اتفاق میفته. زمانی که هنوز تفکیک بین سیاه پوست ها و سفید پوست ها و تعصب علیه یهودیان در جامعه آمریکا وجود داشته.
هوک : باید بروم دست به آب
دیزی: باید تو پمپ بنزین فکرش را می کردی
هوک: سیاه پوست ها نمی توانند از توالت پمپ بنزین ها استفاده کنند….
هوک : باید بروم دست به آب
دیزی: باید تو پمپ بنزین فکرش را می کردی
هوک: سیاه پوست ها نمی توانند از توالت پمپ بنزین ها استفاده کنند….
February 26, 2025
وقتی برق رفت این نمایشنامه رو شروع کردم، نمایشنامه تموم شد ولی برق نیومد.
June 16, 2023
When my Father was at the point in his life that his daughters did not want him to drive anymore was devastating for him. He still wanted his car close by and his keys in his hand just so he could make sure it was still his and he could sit in it. He knew he should not drive.
Unfortunately for Daisy she had an accident and her Son Boolie was hiring a driver for her. Her Son butts in her life, changing it by hiring Hoke. This makes Daisy even crankier. Rich and Jewish is not flaunted, she reminds all of us she was poor growing up.
She calls Boolie whenever she feels wronged by Hoke. Daisy has no ties of family with her daughter-in-law Florine, who is nothing but a social climber and has no time for her husband's Mother.
Boolie becomes aware of his standing in the community careful not to cause waves with his image, but he is a good son to Daisy making sure she is taken care of even though at times he is very insensitive to her and how she is feeling. He has neglected her wishes and does not understand her actions. He tends to humor her instead of trying to recognize her stubbornness. In the end he sells her home and has her in an elder home.
Which when it was time for us to make this step for Dad was heartbreaking for him. He kept telling us he always lived in the country. One of the hardest decisions we as his children had to make.
The play is really about Hoke and Daisy, with Hoke speaking his mind and maintaining his self rights and how the respect for each other is played out. In the end with her choosing time with Hoke instead of Boolie. I still do not think Boolie gets it.
The movie with Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy is spot on to the script. They are an enjoyable duo to watch as their relationship builds and understanding of each other flourishes.
The play won Alfred Uhry the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for dramatic writing for Driving Miss Daisy.
Unfortunately for Daisy she had an accident and her Son Boolie was hiring a driver for her. Her Son butts in her life, changing it by hiring Hoke. This makes Daisy even crankier. Rich and Jewish is not flaunted, she reminds all of us she was poor growing up.
She calls Boolie whenever she feels wronged by Hoke. Daisy has no ties of family with her daughter-in-law Florine, who is nothing but a social climber and has no time for her husband's Mother.
Boolie becomes aware of his standing in the community careful not to cause waves with his image, but he is a good son to Daisy making sure she is taken care of even though at times he is very insensitive to her and how she is feeling. He has neglected her wishes and does not understand her actions. He tends to humor her instead of trying to recognize her stubbornness. In the end he sells her home and has her in an elder home.
Which when it was time for us to make this step for Dad was heartbreaking for him. He kept telling us he always lived in the country. One of the hardest decisions we as his children had to make.
The play is really about Hoke and Daisy, with Hoke speaking his mind and maintaining his self rights and how the respect for each other is played out. In the end with her choosing time with Hoke instead of Boolie. I still do not think Boolie gets it.
The movie with Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy is spot on to the script. They are an enjoyable duo to watch as their relationship builds and understanding of each other flourishes.
The play won Alfred Uhry the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for dramatic writing for Driving Miss Daisy.
January 29, 2025
I have had the movie for ages and my mother, and I, watched it at least once a week. Needless t say it soon became one of my favorites. When the library called and said they had obtained a copy of the play and they knew I loved the movie, they asked if I would like to participate in a discussion session for the library patrons. That was equivalent to asking a fish if it would like to swim in the lake...We had 130 people that spent an afternoon watching the movie and discussing the play which they had all previously received copies of from the library. Does anyone think that I had a wonderful day?! Driving Miss Daisy was originally one of three plays. In 1989 the plays were translated to the movie screen, with wonderfully talented Jessica Tandy as Miss Daisy and equally talented, Morgan Freeman playing the role of Hoke, her driver. The film was extremely popular, receiving nine Academy Award nominations and winning four: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Makeup, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It had two separate appearances in London and remains high on the criteria for both university, and community theatre.
Miss Daisy is elderly, often sharp-tongued Jewish lady living in Atlanta, Georgia...the heart of the segregated south in the late 1940s. After one car accident too many, her son insists that she have a chauffeur and hires Hoke for the job...but Miss Daisy is having none of that nonsense. One of her reasonings was that she, as were many people of that era and class...prejudiced against people of color; for another, she looks at Hoke as the end of her independence due to her age. Hoke is equal to Miss Daisy in every way except his place in society. He eventually talks her into allowing him to drive for her by telling her how much money her son had spent to hire him.
Miss Daisy is cranky; but Hoke is always careful to know let her see that he knows "his place" and respects hers. Time passes and a cautious friendship develops between them. Miss Daisy will eventually rethink her prejudices; and Hoke will eventually have the nerve to speak out to her. Time passes and the two characters...especially Miss Daisy, begins to experience the complications of growing older, and by the early 1970s, Miss Daisy's mind is failing, but she realizes an unexpected fact: over the years Hoke has become not just her driver, but her very best friend.
The movie was much milder than the play or the book. In those two mediums Hoke remembers and speaks of things from his younger days that would put off most movie watchers...such as the lynchings that were almost a daily occurrence. Miss Daisy wanted to support the black leaders of the day like Dr. Martin Luther king but dared not do so because of her son and his business that was already receiving threats.
The story is usually thought of as a comedy, but while the movie is toned way down and is funny in parts...there was absolutely nothing funny about the plays. The play and the book do read well...but they read hard and can break your heart. I came away from it knowing that I will never be able to look at the movie in the same way again.
Miss Daisy is elderly, often sharp-tongued Jewish lady living in Atlanta, Georgia...the heart of the segregated south in the late 1940s. After one car accident too many, her son insists that she have a chauffeur and hires Hoke for the job...but Miss Daisy is having none of that nonsense. One of her reasonings was that she, as were many people of that era and class...prejudiced against people of color; for another, she looks at Hoke as the end of her independence due to her age. Hoke is equal to Miss Daisy in every way except his place in society. He eventually talks her into allowing him to drive for her by telling her how much money her son had spent to hire him.
Miss Daisy is cranky; but Hoke is always careful to know let her see that he knows "his place" and respects hers. Time passes and a cautious friendship develops between them. Miss Daisy will eventually rethink her prejudices; and Hoke will eventually have the nerve to speak out to her. Time passes and the two characters...especially Miss Daisy, begins to experience the complications of growing older, and by the early 1970s, Miss Daisy's mind is failing, but she realizes an unexpected fact: over the years Hoke has become not just her driver, but her very best friend.
The movie was much milder than the play or the book. In those two mediums Hoke remembers and speaks of things from his younger days that would put off most movie watchers...such as the lynchings that were almost a daily occurrence. Miss Daisy wanted to support the black leaders of the day like Dr. Martin Luther king but dared not do so because of her son and his business that was already receiving threats.
The story is usually thought of as a comedy, but while the movie is toned way down and is funny in parts...there was absolutely nothing funny about the plays. The play and the book do read well...but they read hard and can break your heart. I came away from it knowing that I will never be able to look at the movie in the same way again.
November 6, 2016
This was a very short play with only 3 characters. I found it interesting and wished it was longer. I will have to watch the movie at some point.
August 10, 2020
Lovely short read.
The book starts in 1948, just prior to the Civil Rights movement. Daisy who is a 72 year old woman ends up needing a driver according to her son Boolie, who hires Hoke for her. And its a start of a beautiful friendship between Hoke and Daisy. I loved this short read. Hoke breaks down the stern defences of Daisy pretty quick, and over the next 25 years they grow closer, and more dependent on each other. She teaches Hoke to read and invites him to a banquet in honour of Martin Luther King.
Their dialog made me laugh out loud at times. Hoke had the patience of a saint, and Daisy was quick witted until the last. The end of the book made me sad, but in a good way. They had grown so close and you could see the bond they had to each other, but they were both getting old, with Daisy in a nursing home, where Hoke couldn't visit as often as he wanted to, cause he no longer drove.
Forgot to give it stars the first time I wrote the review 🤦♀️ but definitely worth the five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book starts in 1948, just prior to the Civil Rights movement. Daisy who is a 72 year old woman ends up needing a driver according to her son Boolie, who hires Hoke for her. And its a start of a beautiful friendship between Hoke and Daisy. I loved this short read. Hoke breaks down the stern defences of Daisy pretty quick, and over the next 25 years they grow closer, and more dependent on each other. She teaches Hoke to read and invites him to a banquet in honour of Martin Luther King.
Their dialog made me laugh out loud at times. Hoke had the patience of a saint, and Daisy was quick witted until the last. The end of the book made me sad, but in a good way. They had grown so close and you could see the bond they had to each other, but they were both getting old, with Daisy in a nursing home, where Hoke couldn't visit as often as he wanted to, cause he no longer drove.
Forgot to give it stars the first time I wrote the review 🤦♀️ but definitely worth the five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 22, 2022
نمایشنامه قشنگیه، شخصیت پرداری خانم دیزی خوب بود
October 8, 2013
A really beautiful story, with strong characters that you can picture in front of you.
Miss Daisy's son hires her a 'coloured' chauffeur after she crashes her car and destroys property. His mother fiercely and passively resists this slight on her ability and independence but gradually she and Hoke become friends. Their relationship spans decades into the old age of them both.
It's wonderfully written, funny and warm, the three characters all easy ton imagine and rounded from just a few dozen pages of script. The ending is perfectly judged.
I can't comment on other Pulitzer Prize nominees from this year but in thrilled Driving Miss Daisy won the Prize. Length has nothing to do with scope, depth or the accurate representation of real people.
Highly recommended, as is the film adaptation.
Miss Daisy's son hires her a 'coloured' chauffeur after she crashes her car and destroys property. His mother fiercely and passively resists this slight on her ability and independence but gradually she and Hoke become friends. Their relationship spans decades into the old age of them both.
It's wonderfully written, funny and warm, the three characters all easy ton imagine and rounded from just a few dozen pages of script. The ending is perfectly judged.
I can't comment on other Pulitzer Prize nominees from this year but in thrilled Driving Miss Daisy won the Prize. Length has nothing to do with scope, depth or the accurate representation of real people.
Highly recommended, as is the film adaptation.
November 27, 2017
I like this book. I've seen the movie several times but I'd never read the play. it's good.
March 2, 2020
Driving Miss Daisy
: 3,5 estrellas.
A Miss Daisy le costó mucho alcanzar la posición que hoy tiene. Una mujer de 72 años de edad, judía y adinerada como ella, seguro tiene una historia de sacrificios, repleta de sabiduría y experiencias que contar. Pero a su hijo Boolie no parece importarle nada de esto y está decidido a contratarle un chofer, en especial después de aquel accidente que le costó un dineral a la aseguradora sólo porque ella olvidó quitar la marcha atrás; aunque claro que su versión de lo ocurrido es distinta... De todas formas, tener que depender de los servicios de un hombre que la lleve a donde quiera ir le resulta completamente inconcebible. Este pensamiento se confirma todavía más cuando finalmente conoce a Hoke Colburn, su flamante chofer, un hombre mayor de color y con toda la paciencia del mundo para ganarse el cariño de su nueva jefa.
Siempre es lindo volver a leer una obra de teatro y esta fue justo lo que necesitaba. No voy a dar mucho más detalles al respecto, porque es muy breve, y casi que la sinopsis es un gran spoiler. Si no la leen, mejor.
La historia comienza en 1948 en la ciudad de Atlanta, en Estados Unidos, y avanza rápidamente hasta 25 años en adelante. La única trama que tenemos es ver cómo crece la relación entre Miss Daisy y Hoke, y esa es probablemente la razón por la que no le dí mayor puntaje.
Los personajes son auténticos y los diálogos son muy entretenidos. Además, me encanta cuando el lunfardo y las variaciones lingüísticas se plasman en el papel (me divertí mucho imitando la tonada, y no, nunca me van a escuchar hacerlo). Pero, no hay mucho más.
Si bien pasa todo demasiado rápido, el final es tierno y hasta un poco emotivo.
En pocas palabras, una obra corta, linda y entretenida para leer de una sentada.
Recomendable.
A Miss Daisy le costó mucho alcanzar la posición que hoy tiene. Una mujer de 72 años de edad, judía y adinerada como ella, seguro tiene una historia de sacrificios, repleta de sabiduría y experiencias que contar. Pero a su hijo Boolie no parece importarle nada de esto y está decidido a contratarle un chofer, en especial después de aquel accidente que le costó un dineral a la aseguradora sólo porque ella olvidó quitar la marcha atrás; aunque claro que su versión de lo ocurrido es distinta... De todas formas, tener que depender de los servicios de un hombre que la lleve a donde quiera ir le resulta completamente inconcebible. Este pensamiento se confirma todavía más cuando finalmente conoce a Hoke Colburn, su flamante chofer, un hombre mayor de color y con toda la paciencia del mundo para ganarse el cariño de su nueva jefa.
Siempre es lindo volver a leer una obra de teatro y esta fue justo lo que necesitaba. No voy a dar mucho más detalles al respecto, porque es muy breve, y casi que la sinopsis es un gran spoiler. Si no la leen, mejor.
La historia comienza en 1948 en la ciudad de Atlanta, en Estados Unidos, y avanza rápidamente hasta 25 años en adelante. La única trama que tenemos es ver cómo crece la relación entre Miss Daisy y Hoke, y esa es probablemente la razón por la que no le dí mayor puntaje.
Los personajes son auténticos y los diálogos son muy entretenidos. Además, me encanta cuando el lunfardo y las variaciones lingüísticas se plasman en el papel (me divertí mucho imitando la tonada, y no, nunca me van a escuchar hacerlo). Pero, no hay mucho más.
Si bien pasa todo demasiado rápido, el final es tierno y hasta un poco emotivo.
En pocas palabras, una obra corta, linda y entretenida para leer de una sentada.
Recomendable.
November 5, 2024
Expand Your Horizons- Written the year you were born (1987)
I didn't realize how quick this one was but a combination of engaging story and the full cast audio was amazing.
I didn't realize how quick this one was but a combination of engaging story and the full cast audio was amazing.
November 8, 2021
This play OMG! So good, so heartbreaking, so hilarious. I loved the film growing up (favorite quote was..."This is not the way to the Piggly Wiggly!") and I was astonished that I have never read the play! This is a super quick read and something I recommend for everyone to either read and/or watch the film adaptation to.
January 2, 2022
How wonderful it was to listen to this play. I recall seeing the movie many years ago and loving it, and the play was just as delightful to listen to.
January 9, 2023
I picked this book for The Rory Gilmore Book Club January Challenge - short books. It was first staged in 1987.
The conversations between the characters are very witty and funny so it's very easy for me to get lost in their world. While at it, racism issues have been highlighted successfully and since I just got a chance to read this now, I can feel and understand how the issues affect them at the time. Nevertheless, Miss Daisy doesn't seem to be racist with Mr Hoke, they even became best friends at the end and that fact really warms my heart.
Meeting Mr Hoke is one of Miss Daisy's good things ever happened to her, I believe. Their friendship changes so many things. It brings out the best in her, and her son, Mr Boolie acknowledges this, too.
All in all, I really love this story. Simple is best, they say.
The conversations between the characters are very witty and funny so it's very easy for me to get lost in their world. While at it, racism issues have been highlighted successfully and since I just got a chance to read this now, I can feel and understand how the issues affect them at the time. Nevertheless, Miss Daisy doesn't seem to be racist with Mr Hoke, they even became best friends at the end and that fact really warms my heart.
Meeting Mr Hoke is one of Miss Daisy's good things ever happened to her, I believe. Their friendship changes so many things. It brings out the best in her, and her son, Mr Boolie acknowledges this, too.
All in all, I really love this story. Simple is best, they say.
September 25, 2016
After reading the book and watching the movie, I can think of only one thing to say: So that was kind of racist, right? Not just me?
Told over two decades, Driving Miss Daisy is the story of the relationship between Miss Daisy, a wealthy Jewish woman, and her driver, Hoke, a semi-literal black man. The play is supposed to be about the friendship formed between these two, but given the setting, I found a lack of authenticity to the supposed friendship (particularly in the movie). It comes across instead as a lonely older woman in need of companionship and the black man paid by her son to make her feel less alone. There’s an imbalance of power throughout the play that’s only exacerbated by Miss Daisy’s demeanor.
Did I find it an accurate portrait of the South in the mid-twentieth century? Yes, but that doesn’t change my feelings that this play confused the loyalty of a servant with actual affection. Quasi-recommended.
Told over two decades, Driving Miss Daisy is the story of the relationship between Miss Daisy, a wealthy Jewish woman, and her driver, Hoke, a semi-literal black man. The play is supposed to be about the friendship formed between these two, but given the setting, I found a lack of authenticity to the supposed friendship (particularly in the movie). It comes across instead as a lonely older woman in need of companionship and the black man paid by her son to make her feel less alone. There’s an imbalance of power throughout the play that’s only exacerbated by Miss Daisy’s demeanor.
Did I find it an accurate portrait of the South in the mid-twentieth century? Yes, but that doesn’t change my feelings that this play confused the loyalty of a servant with actual affection. Quasi-recommended.
July 22, 2008
There is a chance that this may be one of the few pitch perfect plays ever written. There is such depth and life in the characters. The off-stage characters, who never show up, are so well drawn and full of life you'd swear they were in the actually on stage. This play avoids the dreaded hammer of sentimentality by spreading the play over decades. The lessons learned aren't simple, and don't wrap up nicely at the end. This is just a dynamic play that has two of the most well-defined characters driving it along.
January 13, 2023
One of my goals this year is to complete one book off the Rory Gilmore Book Club list a month. Off to a good start with this short play.
Driving Miss Daisy takes place in the South in 1948 and follows Daisy, her son Boolie, and the driver he hired for her, Hoke, over the course of 25 years. Hoke was hired for Daisy after she crashed the car then refused to admit that she wasn’t up to driving the way she once was. Over time Hoke breaks down her stubborn walls until the two become ever closer.
I won’t say much on this play other than I really enjoyed it. The scenes between the two kept me turning pages. I hate how relevant the topics of race and religion still are today. A great read if you’re looking for something short and meaningful.
Driving Miss Daisy takes place in the South in 1948 and follows Daisy, her son Boolie, and the driver he hired for her, Hoke, over the course of 25 years. Hoke was hired for Daisy after she crashed the car then refused to admit that she wasn’t up to driving the way she once was. Over time Hoke breaks down her stubborn walls until the two become ever closer.
I won’t say much on this play other than I really enjoyed it. The scenes between the two kept me turning pages. I hate how relevant the topics of race and religion still are today. A great read if you’re looking for something short and meaningful.
October 30, 2024
This was one of the best plays I’ve ever read. It is easy to follow, and quite short, but still packs an emotional punch that is impressive to fit into less than 100 pages. I can see why it won so many awards.
May 15, 2023
I think my daughter is awesome! Thank you Tali!❤️
August 15, 2022
the first time i’ve ever read a play!
April 29, 2021
Loved it!
March 8, 2017
"I don't want ya, I don't need ya, and I don't like you saying I'm rich"
A friendship to cherish, a woman like no other and sass galore. I find stories about opposites attracting to be really fun and interesting, obviously in this case it's only a friendship that comes to fruition but what a heartwarming and sweet friendship it is. Alfred Uhry has created a lovely and completely timeless play that is so famous and beloved, it's no wonder he won a Pultizer Prize for Drama for his work. It's a quick and entertaining read, I suggest acting it out with a friend or hey even just do it on your own for a laugh.
Essential reading for theatre fans. 3.5 Stars.
A friendship to cherish, a woman like no other and sass galore. I find stories about opposites attracting to be really fun and interesting, obviously in this case it's only a friendship that comes to fruition but what a heartwarming and sweet friendship it is. Alfred Uhry has created a lovely and completely timeless play that is so famous and beloved, it's no wonder he won a Pultizer Prize for Drama for his work. It's a quick and entertaining read, I suggest acting it out with a friend or hey even just do it on your own for a laugh.
Essential reading for theatre fans. 3.5 Stars.
June 14, 2020
Short and sweet. I loved the relationship that develops between Daisy and Hoke through out the years. It has a nostalgic feel and touches on the civil right movement and anti Semitic fog during the 1950's.
June 28, 2022
trigger warning
There is this old lady who is deemed too old to be driving herself after an accident, so her son hires a chauffeur against her wishes. She's snobby, he, the chauffeur, resents that. And since she's jewish and he's black, they come from entirely different worlds - or so it seems.
This not a typical play as I would expect it with different scenes in different acts but more a series of vignettes that illustrate a friendship between old people.
I liked it, especially because it fit the space very well. If it were longer I think there would be some unwelcome drag to it.
As to the representation of jewish and black people of the time I can't really say anything. Go look elsewhere for that.
There is this old lady who is deemed too old to be driving herself after an accident, so her son hires a chauffeur against her wishes. She's snobby, he, the chauffeur, resents that. And since she's jewish and he's black, they come from entirely different worlds - or so it seems.
This not a typical play as I would expect it with different scenes in different acts but more a series of vignettes that illustrate a friendship between old people.
I liked it, especially because it fit the space very well. If it were longer I think there would be some unwelcome drag to it.
As to the representation of jewish and black people of the time I can't really say anything. Go look elsewhere for that.
September 8, 2023
isn't this the cutest play ever?
this play offers a brilliant and authentic portrayal of how the African-American Civil Rights Movement can instigate transformative change in individuals
it beautifully illustrates the possibility of two individuals from entirely different backgrounds cultivating admiration and love for one another and i love this play for that
thank you!
this play offers a brilliant and authentic portrayal of how the African-American Civil Rights Movement can instigate transformative change in individuals
it beautifully illustrates the possibility of two individuals from entirely different backgrounds cultivating admiration and love for one another and i love this play for that
thank you!
January 1, 2024
2M, 1F- Hits all the same beats I remember from the movie. It moves really quickly from scene to scene in sorta a stylized way and the performers all age 30 years on stage, but it’s a poignant story, less about the history of race relations and more about the connections between people who’ve been separated by society.
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