ARTICLES: Theatre/Cinema

Tennessee Rep Presents Driving Miss Daisy
by Kathryn E. Darden for Christian Activities
10/30/2001

Nashville, TN - The Tennessee Repertory Theatre Presents Driving Miss Daisy, the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Comedy Nov. 28-Dec. 9 at TPAC's Polk Theatre.

This production stars Karen Grassle, best known for her eight-year stint playing “Ma” Caroline Ingalls on the beloved television series Little House on the Prairie where she starred opposite Michael Langdon. There were offers to follow up in other shows after Little House, but she chose not to pursue them choosing to focus on being a mother instead.

Following "Little House," she appeared in several TV movies. Her movie credits include: Harry's War (1986) Between the Darkness and The Dawn (1985), Cocaine - One Man's Seduction (1983), Battered (1979), Battered (1978), The President's Mistress (1978). She has guest starred on such shows as The Mike Douglas Show, The Catholic House, Dinah!, Hollywood Squares, Gunsmoke, The Love Boat, Hotel, and in the late '80's she appeared on "Murder She Wrote" twice, Her big screen come back was to be in a major Kevin Costner epic, "Wyatt Earp," which did not do well at the box office.

Grassle appeared in 1995 at the Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, with supporting roles in "Trudy Blue" and "Middle-Aged White Guys," ( disappointing departure from Ma Ingalls).

Karen Grassle was born on February 25, 1944 in Berkeley, California, and her last name is pronounced "Grass - ley." She is currently the spokesperson for the "Little House on the Prairie" video series.

Driving Miss Daisy is a warm-hearted and humorous study of the evolving relationship between an aging, white Southern lady and the proud, soft-spoken black man her family hires as her driver.

Tickets for this production can be obtained by calling 255-ARTS. For group discounts call 244-4878 ext. 124.

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