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NATCHEZ — This week, the 77^th season of Natchez Little Theatre presents for the public’s viewing pleasure “Driving Miss Daisy,” a 1980s play by Alfred Uhry about the bond formed between unlikely friends.

The play shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Natchez Little Theatre, a cozy and historic community theatre located at 319 Linton Ave.

The play is directed by NLT’s Sharon Leake and stars Melinda Ballard as Daisy, Jamal McCullen as her driver Hoke, John Stevens as her son Boolie and live instrumentals by Katherine Parker.

Though the cast didn’t fully come together until the second week of January, Leake said, “We were able to pull it together beautifully in four and a half weeks.”

Two of the three cast members are on their second act with Natchez Little Theatre, “But you’d never guess that by watching them,” she said.

Jamal McCullen, a school teacher and former firefighter, performed in NLT’s production of “The Odd Couple” for his first play and returns for his encore performance in his first leading role. John Stephens starred in “Clue” as Colonel Mustard for his first play.

“Melinda Ballard is a veteran theatre actress,” Leake said. “She has starred in many plays throughout the years and even did some costume design. She has been gone a while but she has got a lot of talent and experience in theater.”

Whether or not you have ever seen Driving Miss Daisy on stage or on screen in the film adaptation, Leake said those who come to see it will experience a timeless tale with a heartwarming message.

The audience will not only enjoy watching the NLT talent deliver an emotional and captivating experience for all, but they will “also leave with a true understanding of the power of friendship and empathy when it comes to bridging divides and the potential for growth amidst a backdrop of social change,” she said.  “That message transcends time and is just as relevant today as ever.”

When the elderly Miss Daisy crashes her car through her living room in 1948 Atlanta, Georgia, her son Boolie insists that she get a driver. This doesn’t sit well with Daisy, who feels that “she is losing her independence.”

Enter Hoke Coleburn, an unemployed African American man of around 60 who becomes her chauffeur. Though initially wary of each other, a bond is formed over the next 25 years of driving Miss Daisy through “his acceptance of her high-strung personality and her acceptance of his social differences,” Leake said.

General admission is $25. Seniors age 65 and older and military tickets are $15 with an ID.

To reserve tickets, visit www.thenatchezlittletheatre.com, or call 601-442-2233 for more information.  Tickets may also be purchased at the NLT box office before each performance.