HOW I
LEARNED TO DRIVE

The Characters

Li’l Bit

The narrator of the story. As we go in and out of her past, her age ranges from 11-34. A native of rural Maryland. No siblings. No father figure. Raised mostly by her mother, grandparents, Uncle Peck and Aunt Mary. The first in her family to go to college.
 
 
 
 

Uncle Peck 

 Li’l Bit’s uncle. In his forties. An ex-Marine from South Carolina. Stationed in D.C. after WWII. Married to Mary. No children. Likes to drink, but tries not to. He has a “fire in his heart.”
 
 
 
 
 
 

Male Greek Chorus

This actor plays Grandfather (“Big Papa”), Waiter and High School Boys. 

The playwright deliberately called her support characters “Greek” chorus as opposed to a regular chorus or ensemble. In the early days of Greek theatre, the chorus served as an extension of emotions to the lead characters on stage. They also came on stage usually in groups to serve as commentary to the action. By using a group of actors in this way, Vogel has reinforced the story-telling quality of Li’l Bit’s memory. Through the chorus’ humorous characterizations, she has also achieved an alienation effect which helps reinforce the more serious aspects of the lead character’s lives making their tale more poignant.

Female Greek Chorus
This actor plays the roles of Mary, Mother and high school girls.

Teenage Greek Chorus
This actor plays Grandma and the voice of the 11-year-old Li’l Bit.