Driving Lessens

In rural South Jersey, a car means freedom. In an unwilling act of neighborly compassion after a tragedy, Thea Lucas drives her classmate Rob Kelly to school every morning. The 2016 Presidential Election looms over the country, the machine of high school gossip rages — Thea and Rob drive.

In rural South Jersey, a car means freedom. In an unwilling act of neighborly compassion after a tragedy, Thea Lucas drives her classmate Rob Kelly to school every morning. The 2016 Presidential Election looms over the country, the machine of high school gossip rages — Thea and Rob drive.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Driving Lessens

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Driving Lessens

    Simply put, this is a perfect two-hander and I want to direct it right now. It reminds me of a play like Circle Mirror Transformation, where we only get to meet these characters in this one location. Different people have different feelings about high school and that's captured well here. I loved the way Lardner subtly touches on the 2016 election and COVID without taking the focus off these characters. I love this play and want to see it produced everywhere. Amazing role for a Korean American actress.

    Simply put, this is a perfect two-hander and I want to direct it right now. It reminds me of a play like Circle Mirror Transformation, where we only get to meet these characters in this one location. Different people have different feelings about high school and that's captured well here. I loved the way Lardner subtly touches on the 2016 election and COVID without taking the focus off these characters. I love this play and want to see it produced everywhere. Amazing role for a Korean American actress.

  • Michael Quinn: Driving Lessens

    A clever, in-charge character piece exploring a particular type of East Coast neurosis. Lardner does not let any one aspect of these characters dominate their personalities; she wants something real. And what we can only start to recognize is this play's confidence as a period piece, a portrait of the oldest Gen Z-ers, and its real interest in their problems.

    A clever, in-charge character piece exploring a particular type of East Coast neurosis. Lardner does not let any one aspect of these characters dominate their personalities; she wants something real. And what we can only start to recognize is this play's confidence as a period piece, a portrait of the oldest Gen Z-ers, and its real interest in their problems.

  • Lavina Jadhwani: Driving Lessens

    a smart and sensitive period piece, told through the lens of two high school seniors. a great vehicle for two actors (see what I did there?)!

    a smart and sensitive period piece, told through the lens of two high school seniors. a great vehicle for two actors (see what I did there?)!

Character Information

  • Thea Lucas
  • Rob Kelly

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Subtext Studio TC, Year 2024
  • Type Reading, Organization Boston College Dramatics Society, Year 2020

Awards

  • New Works Festival
    Garry Marshall Theatre
    Finalist
    2022