LAKEPORT— When a theater has to close down for whatever reason, there is a tradition that a single light is left burning on stage. This lets everyone know that they will be coming back. Well, the lights have come back up for the Lake County Theater Company after a two and a half year involuntary hiatus. They are ready to shine with their production of “Driving Miss Daisy” by Alfred Urhy. Many recall this touching story from the 1989 movie starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman.
The story is rooted in the deep south and takes place over a 25-year span from 1948-1973. Daisy Werthan is a wealthy Jewish widow who is reluctant to give up her independence, starting with driving. Her son, Boolie, overrides her objections and hires a chauffeur for her: Hoke Colburn, who is a Black man. As years and events unfold Daisy and Hoke become enduring friends, despite their many differences. This is a tale of aging and how families cope. It is also about prejudice in America, and ultimately shows how unlikely allies find compassion and common ground between them.
Miss Daisy is played by Marlena Shapiro, a newcomer to LCTC. She has been on stage for more than 50 years, as well as directing and producing. Her film credits include sharing the spotlight with the likes of Robert Deniro and Kiefer Sutherland. The role of Miss Daisy is one Shapiro has always hoped for.
Miss Daisy’s son, Boolie, is performed by Doug Cembellin. Cembellin recently moved to Lake County. He holds degrees in acting and directing, and has a Master’s from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Cembellin said, “working in film is great, but there is nothing like the intimacy of performing in front of a live audience.” He has starred in dozens of plays including title roles as Macbeth, Oedipus and Faustus.
Larry Richardson is Hoke, Daisy’s chauffeur. Richardson has been onstage with LCTC for over 10 years. He is renowned for his expressive face and voice. “It has been difficult to adopt the speech and subservience of Black workers in the South,” Richardson said, “but I realize that this represents class differences in the mid-twentieth century.” He is also a master dancer and has choreographed many LCTC musicals including Oklahoma and Chicago.
“If people leave the theater having laughed and cried,” Shapiro said, “and are still thinking about the show for a few days, then mission accomplished.”
“Driving Miss Daisy” will be at the Soper Reese Theatre from Sept. 2 to 18, 2022. Tickets and performance times are available at LCTC.US.
