When the Pullman Civic Theatre decided they wanted to get out into the community, regular patrons at Rico’s had no idea they’d be among the first to see what that would look like.
Daisy (Tracie Brelsford, Pullman) rides with her chauffeur, Hoke (Bobby Hodge, Pullman) in the Pullman Civic Theatre production of “Driving Miss Daisy.”
“We saw it as an opportunity to reach a new audience base,” said Kristin Lincoln, production manager.
Lincoln, who has experience in traveling productions with other theater companies, explained that the idea of the pop-up productions is for the theater to develop one show each year that can easily be taken to various locations throughout the area. Though Rico’s is the first to host this year’s show, it won’t be the last. The theater is connecting with other theaters, community organizations and businesses to set up performances that will continue throughout the year.
“We’re hoping that most of these will be free,” Lincoln said, adding that donations help with operating costs.
The production for the smaller show is simpler as well. The cast and crew has been rehearsing during the recent gap between mainstage productions. Once the show is learned well, it should only take a quick rehearsal before each production to be stage-ready, she said.
“Driving Miss Daisy” is a simple, warm-hearted play about a relationship that develops between an elderly, crotchety white Southern woman and the proud, soft-spoken black man who becomes her chauffeur. The play won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was made into a film the following year.
But even those who have seen the movie might find reason to see it acted out.
“There’s a magic to live theater,” Lincoln said. “But if you’ve never seen a live show, you don’t know that it’s way better than watching a movie, even on your big TV with surround sound.”
That’s the hope with the pop-up productions, that more people in the community will get to experience the joy of live theater.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Driving Miss Daisy”
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Rico’s Public House, 200 E. Main St., Pullman
COST: Free
