For Immediate Release                   

They Drive By Night

Men and women who drive taxis at night see a side of the city that few daytime citizens
experience. YELLOW CAB is a wonderful book by UNM anthropologist Robert Leonard who, during the late 1990s, drove a taxi in Albuquerque.  (UNM Press, 2006)  His social and poetic observations about the people of the night scored a hit with readers. Now, former colleague Phil Bock has adapted the book for the stage. The play, “Yellow Cab,” will be presented at the ADOBE Theater opening on May 30.

Drivers must learn to judge the safety (or danger) of various situations and individuals.  In the play, as they trade anecdotes and deal with various riders, their humor and strengths are revealed, The simple staging lets the audience focus on the characters and their feelings.  If you have read the book, you will want to see this production and, if not, you will quickly be introduced to its richness.

Phil Bock has had other works produced at the ADOBE:  His plays “So Who Is This Anne Frank?” and “Peregrina” treated important social issues, while his satirical musical, “Cat on a Streetcar Named Iguana” delighted audiences a few years ago.  “When I read Bob’s book I could immediately see how it could be staged. I’m grateful that he let me draft a script and then approved what I wrote,” says Phil, who will also direct this first production.  “We plan to have real taxi drivers at some of the performances for discussions after the play.”


“Yellow Cab,” by Robert Leonard, adapted for the stage by Phil Bock, opens May30 at the Adobe Theater, 9813 Fourth St. NW, playing Fri. and Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2, through June 22.  Tickets are $12, seniors and students $10. Reservations 898-9222, weekdays.


Contact: Phil Bock,  890-0438   pbock@unm.edu