Marina Nebro: Arts and Culture

The Ballad of Lil Bit

How I Learned to Drive was a spectacular tragedy. The story is Lil Bit’s (Casey Drane) life narrative, told from the point of view of her 35 year old self. In a series of flashbacks, she tells of her history with her Uncle Peck (Chris James). Though from the title their relationship might seem as innocent as a lamb, Uncle Peck wasn’t only a driving instructor for Lil Bit. From the young age of 11, when Lil Bit and her World War II veteran uncle were alone together, he would sexually molest her. This secret, though it seems very unlikely that it was well hidden as Lil Bit’s aunt (Nikki Daddiego) knew about it, lasted for seven years until she went off to college and abruptly ended it on her 18th birthday. Uncle Peck proposed to his niece, promising to divorce her aunt. When she refused, he resorted to drinking – a practice he had forgone as long as Lil Bit was with him – and eventually drank himself to death.

Throughout these flashbacks, we also meet other members of the family. The Greek Chorus (Nikki Daddiego, Stephen Winburn, Gabrielle Georgescu) would interchangeably play the roles of Lil Bit’s mother, grandmother, grandfather, and school peers. They also introduced each scene in driving terms – “idling in neutral,” “switching into second/third/fourth gear,” or “reversing.”

What made the story most powerful was the way the anecdotes were ordered. As the play progressed, the audience would learn more and more about Lil Bit’s history. It starts in 1969 (though she’s narrating from the present and often times alludes to ’79), and goes back gradually to ’68, ’67, ’65, ’64, and finally ’62. At first I couldn’t help but blame Lil Bit for her predicament. As much as it is horrible to say of an underage child in such a situation, it really seemed as if she was egging her uncle on. I think that’s what the script meant for the audience to think. At one point, her mother tells Lil Bit that she would be to blame if anything ever happened between her and Peck. But as we are taken further back into her past, we see how her insecurities build up and make her act out in this way.

One thing that I think the script lacked was a final ending for Uncle Peck. Yes, we are told that he dies after drinking himself to death. We are also told that he eventually loses his driver’s license because of his excessive drinking. But there was a line early on where he says, “we will never die in a car.” I understand it might be a cliché foreshadowing, but shouldn’t this lead to him eventually dying in a car crash? It was definitely set up that way – and would have definitely been apropos. But at least Paula Vogel (the writer) does have someone die in a crash – or at least that’s how I interpreted the ending.

So how was this a tragedy? Well, Uncle Peck’s character was truly tragic. As much as he was taking advantage of a young girl, he seemed to be lost himself, mainly due to his trauma after World War II. There were times when Uncle Peck seemed to be a young boy himself in the way he acted. Lil Bit was a tragic case too. From the age of 11, she retreated into her head and was forever self-conscious about her body. She flunked out, or was kicked out, of college for unknown reasons, but most likely having been caused by the events of her past.

And how was it spectacular? The set was very cool. This was the first traditional style performance I had ever seen in the M11 theatre at Queens College. The setting was intimate and cozy. The backdrop/flat was perfectly ’60s themed with wallpaper and images from the decade. Little boxes came out from the back wall and served as bars, counters, and beds. The music was also superbly picked – who doesn’t like to listen to a classic ’60s tune?

I would definitely recommend taking some time out of your busy week/weekend to see the show. You still have time! Performances are on March 7-10 and 14-17. Buy your tickets now!

How I Learned to Drive
March 8, 2013
M11 Theatre, Queens College

Marina B. Nebro