Every so often an incident occurs that sparks a life-changing decision. For Becky Foster it came when she met Walter Flood. She seizes it in “Becky’s New Car” now playing in the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora.
Becky (Laurie Sullivan), wife, mother, and Girl Friday at the Bill Buckley Car Agency feels put-upon. She answers the phone, directs calls, placates irate customers, and deals with frenetic salesmen like Steve (Tommy Keesling). So when handsome multi-millionaire Walter Flood walks in after hours to order nine of the agency’s top models as tokens of gratitude for his staff, Becky is blown away. She adds an extra car.
Flood (Kevin Rainsberger) has recently lost his wife and in the ensuing conversation mistakenly takes Becky for a widow. She does not deny it. They date and the whirlwind high life exposure entwines the two. She explains her absences to her husband Average Joe Foster (John Crosby) by her work at the new Buckley mega auto complex being opened out of town. Her live-at-home son Chris (Austin Bade) studies psychology at a local college. He senses the change occurring in his mother and makes sage, pointed comments. All of this above Joe’s head.
Becky’s obvious dilemma is the show. Sullivan gives a Tony Award nomination performance that is captivating. The script is labeled a comedy, but it is not to be taken lightly.
Playwright Steven Dietz is one of the more prolific writers with 32 scripts to his credit. Seattle commercial realtor Charles Staadecker commissioned “Becky’s New Car” as a gift for his wife Benita, an ACT (A Contemporary Theater) trustee. Dietz presented the first scene of the play to Benita on her birthday. The couple makes the opening night circuit across the country and made themselves available for interviews after the show at the IceHouse.
Set design and lighting by Director Clevinger are masterpieces. He uses the Seattle skyline as a silhouette.
Though the ending is blurred, “Becky’s New Car” is an adult show well worth seeing. The play runs through June 12 at the IceHouse in Mount Dora where Darlin Barry is the Artistic Director. Shows of this caliber usually sell out rapidly. Check their Web Site for details about reservations, ticket prices, and directions at www.icehousetheatre.com.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com