Through March 26, 2017
(216) 241-6000
Bob Abelman
It has taken 20
years for Paula Vogel’s 1997 Pulitzer Prize-winning “How I Learned to Drive” to
appear on the Cleveland Play House stage.
But as we learn from the predatory
pedophile at the center of her disturbing story, patience has
its rewards.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's blog here.Roy Berko
“How I Learned to Drive,” in spite
of its excellent staging, is not an easy play to watch. It is haunting, dark, and the topic is
not something to which everyone can relate.
But it deals with a realistic subject that is more prevalent in our
society than is often recognized and if you’re willing to open yourself up to
the emotional upheaval that the story may induce, this is a play well-worth
seeing.
Mark Horning
This winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
takes a hard look at a near epidemic world problem using drama rather than
visual simulation to tell a realistic story of unchecked lust. The courageous
theater goers who witness this 80 minute one act play may have to deal with
their emotions afterward but regardless they will end up more informed than
before. Disturbing, touching, realistic and heartfelt all at the same time and
a challenge for the senses.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.Howard Gollop
There are a few more bumps from uneven cast members. Perhaps they could have used more help from director Laura Kepley to hone the nuances of their multiple, briefly appearing characters.
Fortunately, occasional soft performances do not undermine the power of Vogel’s drama and this production.
Christine Howey
There are many kinds of sexual abuse of minors. But when the abuse is doled out by a person whom you have grown close to and loved, the pain is beyond imagining. And this play comes as close as you can to that conflicted state without lapsing into easy regret and facile recrimination.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at Cleveland Scene
Laura Kennelly
It’s a great ride through risky territory. Paula Vogel’s How I Learned to Drive looks honestly at family, sexual desire, puberty and pedophilia, and yet — magically — avoids being a mere lecture about the evils thereof.
To see a full review of this show see Cool Cleveland or read Laura Kennelly's blog at ArtStillMatters
Andrea Simakis
We can rejoice that "How I Learned to Drive" feels as fresh and fearless as it did two decades ago...and mourn for the same reason. "Fresh and Fearless"
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.
