How I Learned to Drive

How I Learned to Drive. L.A. Theatre Works, a nonprofit theatre and radio production company, deserves a standing ovation for publishing consistently superb work. Most people simply do not have the time or the opportunity to see the many plays written in the last year, let alone the past decade. L.A. Theatre Works has been producing and recording plays for 10 years, and offers an extensive catalog of a varied body of work. I have heard nothing but top-notch acting and production values in the several plays I sampled and the one recording I witnessed. The plays are all about 90 minutes to two hours long. Most cost $18.95, and are available in stores or by calling (800) 708-8863. Recent productions include "How I Learned to Drive" by Paula Vogel. Vogel's play takes a light look at a dark subject, focusing on Li'l Bit, the daughter of a rural Maryland woman whose uncle taught her much more than simply how to drive. She writes of the psyche-scarring, incestuous relationship between the pre-pubescent main character and her grown-up uncle. Her straightforward honesty and unabashed humor offers a remarkably candid view of family disfunction. Glenne Headly, with her youthful-sounding voice, is perfectly cast as Li'l Bit. She effortlessly portrays a confused girl and an older, angrier woman. However, even as her character ages, that tremulous, girlish quality to Headly's voice consistently enriches her performance.