By MICHAEAL BOYLAN
mboylan@thecitizennews.com

Most of us remember “Driving Miss Daisy” as the film that won four Academy Awards in 1989, but it was an award-winning play by Atlantan Alfred Uhry first. That play will start this Friday night at Newnan Community Theatre.

The play, set in Atlanta, focuses on a friendship between a feisty Jewish widower and her dignified black chauffeur over 25 years. “Driving Miss Daisy” is a fairly atypical play as there are only three characters: Miss Daisy; her son, Boolie; and Hoke, the driver. It is a stirring piece that covers all of the social changes that occur between the two races during that period as well as the changes between the two individuals.

Daisy Werthan will be played by Peachtree City resident Shirley Bohan. Bohan was very active in theater in high school and college. She then moved to Florida and became one of the only female barbers in the state. Bohan has recently returned to the stage as Grandma in the Henry Players Production of “Lost in Yonkers.”

The role of Hoke will be played by Carrollton's Jerome Stanley. Stanley has played Hoke before at the Encore Theatre in Carrollton. He has a connection to the role as his grandfather was a “real-life Hoke.' Stanley's grandfather never got to see him perform the role, so this performance will be dedicated to his memory.

The role of Boolie, the well-meaning son, will be played by Buddy Eppinger of Rex. Eppinger has not been on stage since his role in his sixth grade production of “A Christmas Carol”, but felt a connection to the role and decided to audition. The character of Boolie and Eppinger share many similarities; they both grew up in Atlanta during the same period of time. Eppinger was born in East Point, grew up in Forest Park and currently resides in Rex.

The show, which will be directed by Newnan Community Theatre veteran Caroline Carr, will be presented at their theater July 7-9 and July 14-15. The show will be performed at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 9. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Call 770-683-NCTC for more information or to order tickets. You can also visit them on the web at www.newnantheatre.com

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