Dangerous Curves Ahead at Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Performing Arts Centre is proud to present Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Winning play “How I Learned To Drive”. This powerful and surprisingly humorous look at one woman’s tale of survival and her eventual empowerment looks back in forgiveness on a seven-year relationship with her uncle. Together they have traveled to the darkest, most intimate and unspoken of places. How I Learned To Drive is the story of this young woman whose coming-of-age in the 1960s and 70s is defined by driving lessons provided by her uncle, lessons which extend well-beyond learning the rules of the road. A beautifully crafted story unfolds her memories with breathtaking insight, wit and warmth.

Born into a crude family atmosphere of which she doesn’t fit into, the woman, nicknamed Lil Bit, finds comfort in the only relative she can relate to, her Uncle Peck. Her all too attentive Uncle uses driving lessons to further his less-than-honorable intentions. Using a Greek chorus who transform into a variety of characters, the audience is given a unique perspective of the events that influenced the forbidden relationship between a young girl coming of age and her aging uncle looking for redemption.

The production, under the direction of John Schugard stars area theatre veterans Dawn Winarski and Greg Korin.

Filling out the Greek chorus are Bill Amos, Marisa Vergnetti and Christine Skiro.

Performances will take place on August 8th, 9th, 10th,15th and 16th, 2008. Showtimes are 8:00pm for the Friday and Saturday shows with one 2:00pm matinee on Sunday, August 10th, 2008.

“How I Learned To Drive” features adult themes and frank language and is not recommended for children. Tickets are $12.00 and can be purchased at the theatre. Reservations are strongly recommended. The Phoenix Performing Arts Centre is located at 409-411 Main St. in Duryea (The former Applause Theatre location). For reservations please call (570)-457-3589.