TV Stars Bring “Driving Miss Daisy” to Van Singel Fine Arts Center Thursday

One night, and one night only, the Van Singel Fine Arts Center will host “DRIVING MISS DAISY,” the Pulitzer prize-winning comedy-drama written by Alfred Uhry. And, it reunites TV stars Sheree Wilson and Clarence Gilyard, both of “Walker Texas Ranger” fame.

Wilson, who is also famous for her role on the hit series “Dallas,” plays Daisy, the strong-willed Jewish matriarch whose unlikely friendship with her African-American driver, Hoke, eclipses the social norms upheld by midcentury Southern culture.

Hoke is played by Clarence Gilyard, whose roles on “Matlock” and in “Left Behind” have earned acclaim.

Having both built incredible careers in film and television, both Wilson and Gilyard are thrilled to collaborate on stage. They hit the road earlier this year with the play, and are playing to packed houses.

For Wilson, the show will be her first live production since high school. The poignancy of the material—and the opportunity to work with former “Walker” co-star Gilyard again—made for a wonderful opportunity. “It’s so magical, doing this play and picking up with a dear old friend, taking off on a new adventure,” Wilson says. “You already have the chemistry, familiarity, knowing how the other works. It’s a comfort…you trust the person you’re on stage with. And audiences are so responsive. Standing ovations, packed houses…it’s an affirmation of why we do this.”

“DRIVING MISS DAISY” will play at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center for one night only tomorrow night, Thursday, March 31st @ 7:30 PM, and is presented in partnership with Dan Pfeiffer Automotive Group, Godwin Plumbing/American Standard, and TowerPinkster Architects and Engineers. Reserved seating is available. Adult tickets are $42.50, students are $22.50 (college and younger – may have to show student ID). Seats can be reserved in person at the box office or by calling (616) 878-6800,12 noon to 5 pm. Tickets are also available at www.vsfac.com.