TV’s Jean Bruce Scott to star in Idaho Repertory Theatre’s ‘Driving Miss Daisy’

MOSCOW, Idaho — Television acting veteran Jean Bruce Scott joins University of Idaho’s Idaho Repertory Theatre for a production of Alfred Uhry’s “Driving Miss Daisy,” a moving story brought to life by a seasoned cast.

There will be nine shows starting with a preview night at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17. All shows are at the Forge Theater, 404 Sweet Ave., Moscow.

Additional show dates and times include:

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 18
• 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19
• 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 25
• 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26
• 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27

In the Deep South in 1948, Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp-tongued Jewish widow of 72, has demolished another car. Her son, Boolie, hires Hoke, a thoughtful Black man, to be her chauffeur. Steadily, the dignified, good-natured Hoke breaks down the defenses of the ornery old lady. In a series of touching scenes spanning 25 years, the two come to realize they have more in common than they ever believed possible — and that times and circumstances would ever allow them to publicly admit.  

“I have long wished to produce this beautiful play with such deftly drawn characters, but never had the right actors,” said Rob Caisley, “Driving Miss Daisy” producer and Theatre Arts Department chair. “We’ve put together a real dream team for this production.”

Scott, an actor known for TV shows like “Magnum P.I.,” “Airwolf” and “Days of Our Lives,” will star in the titular role.

“I’m really looking forward to diving into the character of Miss Daisy,” Scott said. “All the things the character lived through are astounding. It is so vitally important to not forget that history. It addresses racism, civil rights and equality, and it is so pertinent to today’s conversations.”

While Scott has worked on internationally known TV shows with legendary actors, including Tom Selleck and Jan-Michael Vincent, she said the arts community in Moscow is special.

“I can’t wait to be involved with the audience for Idaho Repertory Theatre,” she said. “The audience in Moscow loves to be entertained and educated.”

Scott got involved with the production through Caisley, who she has known for decades.

“I have known Jean for years, and we have collaborated on many projects, but this is the first time I will get to work with Jean as an actor, after having admired her numerous television appearances before meeting her professionally,” Caisley said. “I think our community is in for a real treat.”

Moscow audiences will also recognize Craig A. Miller in the role of Boolie. Miller starred in IRT’s productions of “Every Brilliant Thing” and “Constellations.” Hoke, the chauffer, is played by Baron Kelly, who directed last season’s powerful drama "Master Harold … and the Boys.”

For Scott, “Driving Miss Daisy” marks her return to acting after years of retirement. But despite Scott’s impressive experience, this production presents a new opportunity — it is the first time she will perform in a black box theatre.  

“I’ll have to get used to the audience being 3 feet away from me,” she said. “I can’t wait for that moment and surge of electricity.”  

Tickets are free for U of I students and $6 to $26 for the public. They are on sale now at uitickets.com.

The preview performance on Thursday, July 17, is pay-what-you-can.  

For information about other upcoming events from the Department of Theatre Arts, visit uidaho.edu/theatre.

Media contact

Alisa Volz 
Communication Specialist 
Department of Theatre Arts & Lionel Hampton School of Music 
208-885-6465 
avolz@uidaho.edu