How many of us would take the opportunity to escape our humdrum lives for something more exciting? That’s the situation faced by Becky (Margaret Melozzi) in Becky’s New Car, which debuted on May 2 and runs until June 1 at Warren’s 2nd Story Theater.
Becky works as a title clerk for an auto dealer. She is married to a nice guy named Joe (Kerry Callery), a roofer. They have a 26-year-old son named Chris (Jeff DeSisto) who lives in their basement and has a new girlfriend.
One day, a wealthy man named Walter Flood (Vince Petronio) walks into the dealership and purchases a fleet of automobiles, based on the helpful recommendations of Becky.
Becky is charmed by her suave customer and accepts an invitation to an elegant soiree at his seaside estate. Becky lets Walter believe she is a widow and tells her husband she is attending a corporate retreat for the weekend before transforming her frumpy appearance into a glamorous socialite with assistance from some audience members.
Becky’s New Car is unique in that it features a breaking of the fourth wall, allowing the audience to interact with the play’s heroine.
Melozzi gives a fantastic performance, making Becky sympathetic and likable as she deals with the escalating drama in her life — falling for the handsome Walter while concealing her feelings from Joe. There are more twists and turns in the plot as it hurtles to its conclusion.
Director Mark Peckham has utilized the stage in a creative way, with Becky’s workplace and her home placed side by side. Becky jumps from one setting to the other, with the men in her life sharing their various problems and feelings. Becky’s quirky co-worker Steve (F. William Oakes) badgers her relentlessly with details of his late wife Rita. Chris, a psychology major, analyzes his mother’s feelings and motivations.
Without giving too much away, Becky has to face the consequences of her actions. Unfortunately, the story goes off the rails in the second act with a bizarre plot development which undermines the credibility of her character. The supporting characters are also underwritten, especially Ginger (Rae Mancini), a friend of Walter’s who has fallen on hard times, and Walter’s daughter Kenni (Erin Elliott).
The show is amusing in spots, but never really delivers on its premise. The energy is there in the performances, but Steven Dietz’s script lacks the punch that could really send the story into orbit. Becky’s New Car has a shiny exterior, but ends up being a clunky ride.
2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market Street, Warren. For tickets, call 401-247-4200.