Way better than DMV
Loren Taylor, right, gets humorously avuncular with Stephanie Gularte in How I Learned to Drive.
River Stage and Beyond the Proscenium Productions smack the bull’s-eye with this slick production of Paula Vogel’s dark comedy How I Learned To Drive. It’s a fine script, a Pulitzer prize winner in 1998, that tackles a difficult topic—a sexually abusive relationship between a 50-year-old uncle and his teenage niece. Local actress Stephanie Gularte (who’s been good in supporting roles at the Sacramento Theatre Company and B Street Theatre) gives a breakthrough performance as the female lead, and Loren Taylor—a valued asset in many River Stage productions—has never been better than in this complex part. Frank Condon’s direction is remarkably good, Kim Simons’ costumes are snappy—just about everything clicks. Highly recommended—you won’t find a better show on local stages this summer. 7:30 p.m Thursday; 8 p.m Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday at River Stage, Cosumnes River College, 801 Center Parkway. $8-$14. 691-7364. Through July 22.
