Driving Miss Daisy to toast Black History Month Feb. 10

 On Sunday, February 10, during Black History Month, the Sunday matinee performance of “Driving Miss Daisy” will be followed by a talk and Q & A with former Los Angeles City Council member Robert Farrell. A Mississippi native and Freedom Rider during the Civil Rights Era, he will reflect on that important period in our history. Following his appearance, vocalist and recording artist Maiya Sykes will perform some of the anthems of the Civil Rights Era.

            “Driving Miss Daisy” is the Pulitzer-winning play by Alfred Uhry about the developing friendship between an elderly Jewish woman in Atlanta and her African American chauffeur. Set in the years 1948 through 1973, the issues of civil rights and race are always part of the story’s background. Back Stage magazine gives the Sierra Madre Playhouse an “A” rating, calling it “poignant” and “first-rate,” skillfully directed by Christian Lebano, “who stages the proceedings with great sensitivity while maintaining a solid pace that keeps the action moving.” Willie C. Carpenter (“1600 Penn”), Broadway veteran Mary Lou Rosato and Brad David Reed star.

            At Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Sunday, February 10 at 2:30 p.m. Performance of “Driving Miss Daisy” followed by speaker former Councilman and Freedom Rider Robert Farrell and performance by vocalist Maiya Sykes. $25. Seniors (65+), $22. Youth (13-21), $15. Children 12 and under, $12. Free parking behind theatre. Reservations: (626) 355-4318. Online ticketing:www.sierramadreplayhouse.org