Before I tell you about my new favorite play, let me tell you how I met the featured actress. Kim McKenzie and I were sitting back to back at tables in Latte’ Da Coffee shop a few years ago, both of us waiting on friends. If you know her and you know me, it’s no surprise the two of us started chatting away — even though we were strangers. Thirty minutes later, we adored each other and had laughed so loud, other people were staring. It was then, Kim realized she was waiting for her friend at the wrong coffee shop, and it was then, that I knew she and I had a lot in common!
All of this back-story to say . . . Kim is a ball of fire, hilarious and quite the drama queen — which in this case, is a great thing
Starring in Theatre 98‘s new play, Becky’s New Car, Kim and the rest of the cast knock it out of the park.
I loved this play, and was laughing, then getting teary-eyed the next minute.
The big surprise of the night, which often happens in small-town theatre, is that one of the characters looked exactly like a friend of mine from church, and it took me a while to realize it WAS him! Jeff Lovingood was fabulous in his role of Steve, the sad, yet philosophical car salesman. In one of his moments on stage, I laughed at his lines, but by the time he got to the end, he had me feeling so sorry for the character! Jeff told me he’s never acted before this, except for playing the role of Roman Soldier #3 in the 10th grade. He was incredible!
There were seven main actors in the show, and they all had great lines and fun moments.
Dean Nettles, Richard Foster and Nick Youngblood were so perfect in their roles. It was amazing to me to discover this was only Dean’s second time ever to appear in a play.
Hannah Lee Darrough and Trish Scarpuzzi are fun and convincing as their characters.
Trish is so nice, but she plays the snooty society vixen well.
Hannah Lee has studied theatre in college, and wins the award for most beautiful hair! I expect to see her in a shampoo commercial soon!
Director Jonne Thornton did a wonderful job planning out the audience participation parts, and it’s very funny to see the actors interact this way. As I always do, I’ll rate it for you according to child-friendly guidelines. It receives a rating of PG-13 for a smattering of bad words. I’d say older teens and up would enjoy this.
Becky is in a mid-life rut, and although she has an adoring husband, dabbles with the idea of making a change. The criss-cross happenings are packed with surprising twists that you won’t see coming!
If you are local, you need to grab tickets for this show while you can. I’m expecting it to be a huge hit for Theatre 98. And by the way, when the Theatre Board of Directors reviewed this play it was the only time they can remember approving any play for production with a unanimous vote. I totally agree with that vote!
My little coffee shop friend has grow into a very fine actress, indeed!
Becky’s New Car runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday on July 21-23, 28 – 30, and August 4-6.
Click HERE to contact Theatre 98 and order tickets.Their box office number is: 251-928-4366.