Reviewing Miss Daisy

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/19/10 at 1:07am

I so wanted to love this production. I've been more looking forward to this than pretty much anything else this coming season, and as is always the case with those shows I can't hardly wait for, I was very much let down. As the show ended, I turned to my friend and asked what he thought and his response was "James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave onstage together. How much better can it get?" It took me a while to think of an answer to that question and sadly the answer is "a lot better". I can't fault the cast for this. I don't think anyone could ever fault these actors. The problem I think lies in a very mediocre script.

The film version of DRIVING MISS DAISY, it's safe to say, is considered an American Classic. It's not a nearly perfect film, it is a perfect film. Perfect in every imaginable way with a screenplay that vastly improves upon the original script. As written for the stage, it is a series of events that don't let the audience form a relationship with it's two main characters as their bond strengthens and as they age together. What was added to the screenplay allows this so by the ending you're left heartbroken for these people you've grown to care for. By the end of this production, I was just left sort of shocked at how much I DIDN'T care about these people which truly upset me.

I got home tonight and actually re-watched the film to figure out just what went wrong with this production and my answer is surprisingly, nothing. There's nothing "wrong" with this play except the play itself. As it is, it really seems like these two acting legends got together one day and said "Let's do a play tonight". Again, the script doesn't really allow any real sort of character development so it's not their fault that it just comes across as a staged reading of a mediocre play.

** out of ****

Updated On: 10/19/10 at 01:07 AM

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/19/10 at 1:36am

Agreed. Where were you sitting? (I'm curious if/how the sound design has improved)

And has James Earl Jones' diction gotten any better?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/19/10 at 1:40am

I was in the last row of the mezz. I heard everything fine and didn't have any problem understanding anyone.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 10/19/10 at 9:03am

I was there last night and absolutely loved it. If nothing else, it is certainly the most charming thing on Broadway right now. I thought the final scene was absolutely exquisite. I expect positive reviews from the critics for this one.

[notabb]

Posted: 10/19/10 at 12:29pm

I had never seen this before. I loved it. Happily ,I was in the first row center aisle orch. (opposite a woman following the script who was never needed) and what a pleasure to watch these 3 actors. And yes,Vanessa Redgrave blew me away in the last scene too.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 10/19/10 at 2:13pm

Jordan, let me ask a hypothetical question:

Do you think you would have enjoyed the play more if you hadn't seen the movie?

[madbrian]

Posted: 10/19/10 at 2:36pm

Maybe James Earl Jones needs to book some more lessons with Jack McFarland?