Go On, Miss Daisy

The last time a PG-rated movie won the Best Picture Oscar was almost 20 years ago. Really, it's difficult to imagine that Driving Miss Daisy could charm Oscar voters in the same way today that it did in 1990, given the Academy's fondness for tales of twisted sexuality and redemption...

By Jennifer Elaine-Davis

April 16, 2009

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The last time a PG-rated movie won the Best Picture Oscar was almost 20 years ago. Really, it's difficult to imagine that Driving Miss Daisy could charm Oscar voters in the same way today that it did in 1990, given the Academy's fondness for tales of twisted sexuality and redemption and epic productions of any kind. But the story of an aging Southern woman and her chauffeur has a timeless quality to it, perhaps because the play it was based on is such an enduring, nuanced piece of theater. The story juxtaposes struggles with racial conflict and religious persecution with the realities of aging, but is--in the end--a testament to a beautiful friendship. Casa Manana reminds us why this story struck such a chord with so many during their production of the play, which stars Sandy Duncan as Daisy and George Merritt as the titular driver. The play runs Tuesday through April 26 at Casa Manana Theatre, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave. in Fort Worth. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. this Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets are $29 to $59. Visit casamanana.org for tickets and additional showtimes.
Tue., April 21, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., April 22, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., April 23, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., April 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., April 25, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., April 26, 2 & 7 p.m., 2009

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