“Cars don’t behave, they are behaved upon,” Boolie tells his mother early in Driving Miss Daisy.
Much like cars, in-person gatherings were “behaved upon” during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre closed its doors in February 2020.
For the first time since, a show has opened for the Greenbrier Valley to enjoy – Driving Miss Daisy. Before the show started during the final rehearsal night on Thursday, July 8, GVT Artistic Director Matt Campbell, and actor in Driving Miss Daisy, stepped onto the stage.
“A little atypical for an actor to come out before a show, but there are a few things I want to say before we get started tonight,” said Campbell. “Thank you so much for being here, for supporting us, for coming to the show, for being part of this community, and being the first audience we’ve had since February 2020. We are beyond elated to do this show and do our full season.”
Before putting on Driving Miss Daisy, Campbell and GVT had to navigate how the theatre would come back after COVID.
“Right when I decided on the season, vaccinations became available,” Campbell said. “Our whole staff got vaccinated, when we could of course. … [The three actors] all get tested once a week, stage management gets tested once a week, all the crew has to wear masks. The protocols were definitely a big part of it because testing three people is much easier than test 12 or 10.”
The first crowd back to Greenbrier Valley Theatre in over a year files in. |
Directed by Erin Jerozal, Driving Miss Daisy focuses on the relationship between the now-unable-to-drive Daisy and her new driver, Hoke. At first unwilling to let him take her anywhere, over the course of decades, a friendship blossoms between the two as they fight over routes and speeds, take long trips, live through tragedies, and age together.
“It’s an African American driver and an old Jewish woman down south, becoming friends, and becoming closer – not seeing their differences but where they are able to be the same and human,” said Josh Lapping, GVT Marketing and Communication Director. “ … The movie came out in 1989 and the play was the year before that. The play premiered before the movie, and it’s obviously an older story. [Jerozel is] bringing a lot of relevance to it and one of her main focuses is ‘why are these people making these decisions?’”
“The beauty of it is that it’s so well written and it’s not in your face,” Campbell said. “You get to go ‘okay, I know this a little bit,’ it’s not ‘oh my gosh, I’m so challenged.’ I get to be comfortable, the actors can handle this, it’s a story with goodness and kindness and we learn through it.”
Campbell worked alongside former GVT Artistic Director Cathey Sawyer both on the show and as Artistic Director during the first half of the year, ultimately taking the reins when Sawyer retired in June.
“Change over is always tricky right? But then lay over it the 30 years Cathey was here and how ingrained she is in the community and how much she’s done for the theatre. It would not be here without her and the support of the community,” Campbell explained. “We had a transition time of about six months and it was a great learning time as an artistic leader. The thing that made it weird is that we weren’t producing anything. I got here and Kathy was very adamant that I choose the season and take the lead.”
Sawyer was intended to play Miss Daisy herself during the show’s run, but was unable to due to personal circumstances.
“Many of you might have seen or heard that Cathy Sawyer was supposed to be in this production tonight,” Campbell told the audience before the show. “Unfortunately she is not able to be. … We have another actor who has joined us, Sara Morsey, who has been with GVT before and she flew in on Monday. Today is Thursday, for those who are keeping track. I called her last Saturday, asked if she could get on a plane because she lives in Florida, and she said ‘there’s a hurricane but I’ll do my best.’ She did it.”
Due to the quick turnaround, Morsey performed with a script in her hand, tucked away behind newspapers and handbags. Campbell noted the audience would soon forget she had it and if there were any moments it was read, they went unnoticed.
Alongside Morsey, both Lorenzo Scott and Campbell gave stellar performances as Hoke and Boolie, respectively, the comedy light and snappy, while also contemplative during the heavier moments of the story.
Scott and Morsey as Hoke and Daisy. Photo courtesy of GVT |
The production team includes Composer Robert Waldman, Set Designer Richard Crowell, Costume Designer Jenna Fawn Brown, Lighting Designer E. Tonry Lathroum, Prop Master and Sound Designer Arron Seams, Assistant Stage Manager Bailey Howard, and Production Stage Manager Elizabth Salisch.
Now that COVID-19 protocols from the state are relaxed, the team is looking forward to putting on it’s 2021 slate:
– SHOUT! The Mod Musical
– Pride and Prejudice
– Capehart: Silencing the Mob
– This Wonderful Life
– Elf The Musical
“The season was based on [the ideas of] let’s celebrate joy, let’s celebrate nostalgia, let’s celebrate familiarity, let’s laugh a little bit,” Campbell said. “I think that’s the beauty of this season, but also the rest of the season. … There’s a lot to be excited about. We hope people continue to get vaccinated and come to the theatre.”
Included in the first crowd back to the theatre was Lewisburg Mayor Beverly White.
“The show was marvelous,” said White. “It was funny, it was heartwarming, and it was so great to be back at GVT. You have got to see Driving Miss Daisy, it’s absolutely marvelous.”
With the first rehearsal night in the bag, Campbell spoke excitedly about the then-upcoming Friday, July 9, opening night.
“We got to be in a space together and enjoy theatre,” Campbell said. “Even if it was no more than 65 people, that’s what we get to do. We will open up more as we get further in the season. … There is an odd optimistic feeling I’m having. I’m not a pessimistic person, but people are ready for it, excited about it, and we’re doing everything in our power to do it as safely as possible. Our job is not just to entertain them, it’s to take care of them.”
More information about the season, tickets, COVID-19 protecals, and more can be found on GVT’s website, gvtheatre.org.
“I’m just so glad to see a show,” said one audience member as they filed into the seats.
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