Friday, March 3, 2017

HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE @ CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE



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.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

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.