It’s ironic that Women’s History Month meets Paula Vogel’s 1998 Pulitzer Prize winning play, “How I Learned to Drive”. They are on a collision course. Women’s History Month honors women and their outstanding achievements. Vogel’s play puts them in a box forcing them into believing that they are sex objects.Set in Maryland in the 60’s and 70’s, 17 year old Li’l Bit (Megan Carmitchel) was taught by her instructor uncle Peck (Francis Gercke) on how to navigate both lanes of life: driving with both hands on the steering wheel and growing up learning about sex by her perverted uncle.
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| Emilee Zuniga,Francis Gercke, Karson St. John, Megan Carmitchel , William Huffaker |
Backyard Renaissance Theatre is now mounting this seldom produced play through March 16th and it is well worth a trip downtown to see it. Years ago, (1998) the now defunct San Diego Repertory Theatre broke ground and produced it. Resurfacing now is all the more important because of the headlines revealing rampant pedophilia in the church and in some homes where children are not safe from their parents or relatives.
In "How i Learned To Drive" Vogel takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride in this tragicomedy play showing the seduction of a pedophile uncle and his sometimes willing, other times questioning niece.
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The play weaves back and forth between the reality of what is and the cartoon-like members of the family who, for the most part, close their eyes to their bright yet troubled teenager. The only one who pays her any attention is Uncle Peck where his intentions go beyond teaching her how to drive. He actually started molesting her when she was 11.The 90+ minute memory play lasts years beyond Li'l Bit's college graduation where she tries to put a stop to it over time, but for reasons unknown to those fortunate enough to have never walked in her shoes, she does not.In a brilliantly nuanced production, director Anthony Methvin and his excellent cast where award winning Megan Carmitchel as Li’l Bit, is always made to feel convinced that she is in control and Francis Gercke as Uncle Peck, takes advantage of her in ways she never suspects, reluctantly believes him and is convinced she is in control.
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| Megan Carmitchel and Francis Gercke |
Vogel’s play unfolds like a Greek tragedy, acknowledging pedophilia on the one hand and almost excusing it on the other.Adding to the cast and acting as both Greek Chorus and family members are William Huffaker, Karson St. John, and Emilee Zuniga. All three play multiple roles, but for the most part, we recognize them as returning family members filling in the blanks of Li’l Bits memory bank.
The comic relief comes from the Hillbilly ranks of the family members who, unwittingly think nothing of “letting it all hang out.” Most of what they talk about around the dinner table is sex, sex and more sex.
Cartoon like pictures by Yi -Chien Lee of the years and make of cars is depicted on the back wall with lighting by Curtis Mueller. George Ye’s designed the sound, and Jessica John Gercke. designed the costumes. What stood out to me was associate director of intimacy director, Hanna Meads. Never before, this.
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| Megan Carmitchel and Francis Gercke |
As Actor Of The Year recipient of The Craig Noel Awards last year for her role in “Osage Orange County”, again at Backyard Renaissance production, Megan Carmitchel has proven her brilliance yet a second time and this one is no easy fete.
I usually sign off with “Enjoy”. For this show I will offer that you sing the praises to BYR for the guts to mount this controversial show and will to continue bringing excellence to the theatre. This one is not an easy sit.
See you at the theatre.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Through March 16
Where: Backyard Renaissance Theatre at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., downtown
Tickets: $18-$40
Photo: Daren Scot
Phone: (760) 975-7189
Online: backyardrenaissance.com
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