Adrian/Mikey...this one better for ya?

Just like the sultry female voice of the opening lines, “How I Learned to Drive” pulls you in and leaves you wanting more. Lil Bit, a seventeen year old in the first scene recalls various flashbacks that predominantly include her relationship with her Uncle Peck. In this twisted incestuous relationship, it seems as if Uncle Peck is permanently damaged while Lil Bit almost twenty years later does not seem tortured by her previous experiences. This through provoking reversal of the predator-victim relationship that makes the reader step back, question and examine the distorted relationship, not just because an older man is sexually harassing and emotionally traumatizing his niece but because it is him who is truly affected. Vogel uses a certain sense of humor to explore such sensitive topics and she does it with such pose. While reading a phrase like “celestial orbs”, you cannot help but crack a smile. Her words are and messages (told through the Greek chorus) are entertaining and profound. The flashbacks are told in non-chronological order, similar to how an “abused” woman would recount her experiences. Vogel’s unique style allows her to discuss sensitive topics, such as breasts, incest, sex, and alcohol in such an open manner, all cards on the table. She holds nothing back just like one of the family’s dinner conversations. As Vogel states “family is family” even if Lil Bit’s grandpa teases you about your double d’s or her uncle physically touches them. This theme is also a main focus in one of Vogel’s other works, “The Mineola Twins”. Paula Vogel writes riveting plays with jaw dropping scenes and provocative ideas.