JOURNALING: I saw the play “Becky’s New Car” at the Hippodrome this afternoon. It’s the story of a middle-aged woman, Becky, who is given the chance to flee her mundane life when a millionaire stumbles into the car dealership where she works. The result is a delightful comedy of errors with serious overtones. In an unconventional move, Becky breaks that fourth wall of the theatre and engages with the audience, giving members tasks from her hectic life – while she was “cleaning” the living room, Becky handed me a roll of toilet paper and asked that I put it in the guest bathroom. Another time she brought three women on stage to help her dress for her date. 3/18/17
Backstory: This play was commissioned by Charlie Staadecker for his theatre-loving wife Benita’s 60th birthday in 2007. He wanted to gift his wife with something creative that would last. The play premiered in Seattle in 2008. Since then the couple has seen the play more than 150 times at regional theatres throughout the United States. Living in Naples, FL now, they saw the play at the Hippodrome two weekends ago. And, as a gift that keeps on giving, Benita buys a charm that represents every city where they have seen the play performed.
On Labels:
Cast: Gregory Jones (millionaire Walter); Chelsi Stancil (Walter’s daughter Kenni) & Niall McGinty (Becky’s son Chris); Nichole Hamilton (Becky); Bryan Mercer (auto salesman Steve); Adam Lishawa (Joe, Becky’s husband); and Catherine Fries Vaughn (Ginger).
“Perhaps the highest praise … is that it's funny. Not ironic. Not hysterical …. Just gently and consistently funny—right up to the point that it's touching. BECKY'S NEW CAR takes the audience on a smart, comic cruise through the perils of middle-aged longing and regret.” —Variety.
“It will feel familiar, warm, touching, but most of all, funny. The audience, acting as a fly-on-the-wall, are often directly engaged through clever fourth-wall breaks that serve to connect and endear them to our protagonist.” - Tom Miller on The Hipp’s production
3/18/17
CREDITS: “Everyday Happiness”, “Autumn Bliss”, & “Look Who’s Driving” - Mags Graphics; photo from web.
