“Giants still walk on Broadway.
Giants of the theater belong to a magnificent species that is fast disappearing. And when one shows up in your neighborhood, you polish your eyeglasses and go for a look. James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave are by anyone’s reckoning, two of the last of these titans – stars of uncommon statures who, in combined years of experience, have known and commanded the stage for more than a century. Their fiery, shadow-casting presences have illuminated some of the most challenging roles in world theater. And I would see them in absolutely anything. In Driving Miss Daisy they give responsible, intelligent performances that are infused with old pros’ joy in the mastery of their craft. Ms. Redgrave and Mr. Jones calmly but forcefully grab our attention and hold it, without appearing even to try.”
Ben Brantley, The New York Times
“A perfect night on Broadway.
This production is so rich and real. It’s as fine a production as I can imagine. James Earl Jones is giving a performance that is going to be talked about for the rest of his life – and after. Vanessa Redgrave makes an equally deep and persuasive impression. Boyd Gaines is one of the best stage actors we have. If you want to know what star quality means, this is it. Tickets are going to be hard to obtain, so do whatever you have to do to get one.”
Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal
StarStarStarStar
“With three great actors at their apogee, this enchanting revival is the best theater can be. Alfred Uhry’s play is absolutely honest and beautifully written about real people learning as they live, caught on the wing by an author who has something very human to say. The acting is simply superb. That is if the vast talents of the cast can be called simple. They are tried and true performers who bring ultimate artistry well beyond mere craft. Vanessa Redgrave is sublime, going from chilly hauteur to sassy incandescence to bone-deep humanity.”
John Simon, Bloomberg News
“An extraordinary work, with moment-to-moment joy! This ideal production has a dream team that’s bound to strike fans as the Second Coming! Boyd Gaines is outstanding! Vanessa Redgrave is heatbreakingly real. James Earl Jones is magnificent… with tremendous heart!”
Roma Torre, NY1
“A shimmering triumph by Redgrave and Jones! supremely elegant and magnificently staged and performed. There is not a disposable emotion in this devastating, deeply felt revival, directed with stealthy tension and elegiac elegance by David Esbjornson.”
Linda Winer, Newsday
“Jones and Redgrave are living legends. They are funny, tender, adorable and heartbreaking. Their performances rank with their best, most revelatory work. Neither Jones nor Redgrave loses the regal bearing we have long attributed to them; rather they channel it to suggest the dignity of seemingly ordinary characters. In doing so, they remind us that great acting can transcend not only life but art as well. Under David Esbjornson’s graceful direction, Boyd Gaines is pitch-perfect.”
Elysa Gardner, USA Today
“Well-crafted, funny and moving! This gilded revival of Driving Miss Daisy is Broadway’s Lexus. A smooth, classy ride! The acting is fantastic! James Earl Jones is a pleasure to watch. Vanessa Redgrave is masterful. Boyd Gaines is charming & convincing. Esbjornson’s staging is stunning; it brings a tear to even a hardened theater reviewer’s eye.”
Jesse Oxfeld, The New York Observer
“Redgrave and Jones are masters of their craft. They could do this show buried up to their necks and still break your heart. The veteran thesps immediately find their character chemistry. James Earl Jones cannily works off that magnificent voice of his, which is still in remarkably good shape… Big and booming and mellow as a cello. The statuesque Vanessa Redgrave is astonishing. She works her mastery. Boyd Gaines plays to perfection.”
Marilyn Stasio, Variety
“Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones give two of the most wonderful performances you will ever, both presently and in the past, see on any stage! Two of the greatest performances you’ll ever witness! Seeing Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones on stage together is something you simply must do.”
David Richardson, WOR Radio
“It is a privilege to witness James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave together in this powerful moment in theater.”
Joan Hamburg, WOR Radio
“A moving, intimate tale with a timeless appeal. There is something almost effortless about the acting. These three performers are so talented. Redgrave is flinty, proud and funny.”
Mark Kennedy, AP
“A driving force of nature. Jones and Redgrave bask in the spotlight without ever appearing to hog it. Redgrave gives a startling turn.”
Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Post
“A pleasantly starlit, theatrical spin around the block. James Earl Jones has the most eloquent voice and eyes around, and he puts them to expert use. You’re drawn to his presence.”
Joe Dziemianowicz, Daily News
“The union of three great actors such as James Earl Jones, Vanessa Redgrave and Boyd Gaines is cause for celebration!”
Matt Windman, AM New York
“It’s a pleasure to watch these two pros at work. Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones bring significant star power to Alfred Uhry’s perfectly calibrated comic drama. Vanessa Redgrave is perfectly suited to portray Daisy’s steely self-determination and willful stubbornness. Boyd Gaines is an absolute delight. Already selling out for its limited engagement, this Daisy could be driving on Broadway for a long time to come.”
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
“When stars such as this trio dispense their charms and craft this well, audiences will be only too happy to go along for the ride. This will likely be the biggest theater hit of 2010. James Earl Jones strikes exactly the right tones. Boyd Gaines proves up to the challenge of holding his own against his co-stars.”
David Finkle, Theatermania
“Redgrave and Jones rivet attention. They are two of our finest stage actors. Boyd Gaines is exellent.”
Erik Haagensen, Backstage