Paula Vogel's award winning off-Broadway play, How I Learned to Drive , is getting its first Kansas City production at the Unicorn Theatre. Previews began March 10 for an official opening March 12 and a run through April 4. The fifth production in Unicorn's 25th anniversary season, How I learned to Drive tells of a young girl who develops an inappropriate relationship with her uncle.

The comedy/drama is directed by Unicorn producing artistic director Cynthia Levin who has staged two other works this season. The main character of Li'l Bit will be played by local university graduate Kelly McAndrew. McAndrew also appeared Unicorn's production of Skylight. Local actor Walter Coppage is Uncle Peck. Rounding out the cast are Scott Cordes, Missy Koonce and Cinnamon Shultz.

During its run at the Century Theatre in 1997, How I Learned to Drive won the 1997 Obie Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, New York Drama Critics Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Awards and the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Vogel's plays have been produced all over the world including Canada, Brazil and Chile. Most recently, her play The Mineola Twins opened at the Roundabout Theatre's 0ff Broadway Laura Pels space.

Tickets to How I Learned To Drive are $17.50-$20 and are available by calling (816) 531-PLAY, ext. 10.

--By Angelica Roderick