If I may, I just finished reading THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, by Larry McMurtry. In both novel and film I can't help noticing the similarities with DRIVE, Deborah Yarchun's wonderful play. There's an emptiness that hangs in the air. Thalia, Texas and the flatlands and cornfields of I-80 are of a piece. Like THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, characters in DRIVE are defined in large part by their time, and the place they live in. In DRIVE, Deborah holds her own in her depiction of character. She's obviously done her homework. High praise to Deborah for this unique and stellar accomplishment!

Yarchun gives us a world transitioning into automatic trucking—what might life, both on the road and at home, look like if there are no humans behind the wheel? She populates this world with a cast of vibrant, complex characters whose hopes and heartbreaks feel palpable to the audience. Each of these characters wants to move forward, but doesn’t know how. And how can they, if the world they’ve been preparing for can change on a dime? With sharp, engaging, and layered dialogue, “Drive” is a glorious and devastating treat for actors and audiences. Excellent play!

Every character in this play is drawn with such clarity and humanity. While each of them likely saw the end of their industry looming ahead, they clung to a hope that it might survive. Their individual responses to having to leave the work and world of trucking are akin to what often happens in small towns when a major employer shuts down. The varied responses to "what's next" range from anger and grief to resilience and even newfound freedom. Beautful work. I recommend highly.