DRIVING MISS DAISY - 11/29

Throughly enjoyed the play and the production. Watching Jones, Redgrave and Gaines was a delight (I admit to have never seen the film before - except maybe snippits on cable through the years) The use of slight music cues really worked to weave together a thoughtful and nuanced production.

Question, does anyone know why there was a woman in the first row aisle holding the script and taking notes? Clearly she is with the production but curious as to her function and why a play that has already opened would need to have someone there with the script...my only guess is that she's on hand to cue the actors if need be? It was a bit distracting, I must admit.

Regardless, it was a terrific night of theater.

I was there last night, as well. Got excellent center orchestra seats at TKTS just before curtain. I didn't notice the prompter, but I did see Joan Rivers sitting in the orchestra with two friends.

I was really moved by the production. Redgrave captures both Daisy's strong-willed obstinance and, as the play progresses, her tenderness. Gaines again proves why he has four Tonys. But the real story here is Jones. The last few times I saw him on stage (CAT, ON GOLDEN POND), he regrettably fell into a shtick pattern: he was James Earl Jones playing James Earl Jones playing whatever role he was playing. In this production, I saw nothing but Hoke, and his interpretation of the role is fresh and riveting. He commands the stage from the first moment he opens his mouth.

The final twenty minutes are some of the most affecting theatre I've seen in years.

---

I'm glad this production is generating good talk. Years ago (before the movie was filmed) I saw a touring company do it in Chicago. Even starring the great Dorothy Loudon, I thought the play was just ok. Never would have dreamed at that time that it would be filmed, let alone win the Oscar.

Has anyone done student rush lately? How is it during the week?

It's doing well. It asked how you were.

Does anyone know when they cut the projections? I remember reading about them and they weren't in the show tonight.

nice bump to an old thread...

interesting that they keep someone with the script still in that front row aisle seat - is it common to have this? i hadnt seen it before