Driving Miss Daisy Plays the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville!

Isn't it great we now have TWO venues to see plays and theatre?  This makes me very happy...

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The Pulitzer Prize winner turned Broadway classic, Driving Miss Daisy, settles in for a stay as part of the innovative and inspiring Harvel Lab Series at Aurora Theatre through October 19, 2014.

Written by Alfred Uhry, one of few writers to receive the Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, and two Tony Awards for his creative brilliance, Driving Miss Daisy returns to its roots under the direction of Justin Anderson for the Aurora Theatre production.

The beloved story paints a realistic, yet uplifting picture of the enduring friendship between Miss Daisy Werthan, a Jewish widow, and her African-American chauffer, Hoke, set in 1948 Atlanta.  The two unlikely friends navigate the perilous path of bigotry to establish a friendship that withstands the test of time and societal changes.  Audiences are invited to embark on an unforgettable journey and ride along as Miss Daisy and Hoke steer round the troublesome post-depression era through the Civil Rights Movement.

“Our goal with the Aurora Theatre production of Driving Miss Daisy is to incorporate both the innovative and inspirational aspects of the Harvel Lab Series,” said Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director.  “An inspirational story that depicts two characters rising above their time in history, Driving Miss Daisy, along with October’s Clybourne Park, gives context to the conversation of our ever-changing community.”

Driving Miss Daisy features veteran actors Jill Jane Clements (Miss Daisy) and Rob Cleveland (Hoke), both of whom starred in the Suzi Recommended production of Driving Miss Daisy at Theatrical Outfit in 2009. Rounding out the cast is Jared Simon as Boolie Werthan, Miss Daisy’s attentive son, and Geoffrey Williams, who takes over the role of Hoke following the September 28 show.

The hard work and guidance of Director and Associate Artistic Director Justin Anderson sets Driving Miss Daisy apart from other productions.  Linda Patterson (costumes) and Montgomery Schuth (wigs) transform the cast into characters of a different era and with Britt Ramroop (set) setting the stage and composer Rob Brooksher’s original score creating the mood, audiences will soar into the past. In addition, the opening weekend at Aurora Theatre will transport audience members back in time by featuring a display of classic automobiles on Saturday, September 13 including the 1940 model Ford used in the film and Aurora’s promotional images.

Recommended for teens and adults, Driving Miss Daisy is presented through October 19, 2014. Tickets can be purchased online for $20 per person at auroratheatre.com or by calling the Ticket Sales Office at 678-226-6222.

Regular show times are as follows:

·         Thursday – Saturday: 8 p.m.

·         Saturday and Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

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Now in its 19th Season, Aurora Theatre produces professional live entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Aurora Theatre is home to over 600 events each year. Two series of theatrical productions, the Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series and the GGC Harvel Lab Series, are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand up comedy, children’s programs, metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Del Sol. Aurora Theatre is a world class theatrical facility with two performance venues. Nestled on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by recent achievements that include winner of Seven 2013 Suzi Bass Awards, Creative Loafing’s “2010 Best Theatre Company,” Georgia Trend Magazine’s “2011 Best Places to Work in Georgia,” Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “2012 Best Places to Work”, Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta 2013” and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts.

The Harvel Lab Series is dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Lonnie Harvel, Vice President of Information Technology at Georgia Gwinnett College. An artistic visionary, Dr. Harvel helped establish a cultural partnership between Georgia Gwinnett College and Aurora Theatre. Through the generous support of this sponsor, the Harvel Lab Series features contemporary works fueled by innovation, creativity, and inspiration.