Becky’s New Car Review – Looking for a New Life

From his book originally published in 2010, Stephen Dietz soon adapted the cleverly comic tale for the stage. The result was BECKY’S NEW CAR, first produced in 2010 and soon the darling of small theaters across the U.S. The play asks a question from words reportedly opined by the deceased wife of Steve, one of the play’s characters: “When a woman says she wants a new car, she wants a new life.” Becky has reached middle age in a middle management job and a middling marriage – and she is more than ready for a change. BECKY’S NEW CAR chronicles her need to escape – and the hilarious consequences of her choices.

Isabella DiBernardino and Kristin Towers-Rowles – Photo by Gabe Tejeda

The time is now, and the place moves around from Becky’s simple middle class home (complete with her adult son who lives in the basement) – to Becky’s office at her job – to Walter’s opulent digs, to be expected by a millionaire many times over. The tale begins quite by accident when grief-stricken widower Walter (Christopher Franciosa) stumbles into the car dealership office inhabited by Becky (Jenn Robbins) and asks to buy several cars for his employees. Through a series of innocent misunderstandings, Walter assumes that Becky too has lost her spouse recently. In a spontaneous moment, Walter asks Becky to come to his home for a white tie event – and soon the two are involved in an unexpected and exciting affair. But what of Ginger (Kristin Towers-Rowles), Walter’s wannabe lover; Kenni (Isabella DiBernardino), Walter’s bored and questing daughter; Joe (Grinnell Morris) Becky’s reliable, stoic, and faithful husband; and Chris (Riley Introcaso), Becky’s directionless son. BECKY’S NEW CAR reminds us that decisions we make may well impact everyone around us.

Isabella DiBernardino and Riley Introcaso – Photo by Gabe Tejeda

Skillfully directed by Cate Caplin, BECKY’S NEW CAR is an uber-clever comedy which will bring up some very serious issues about choices and how they influence life. Caplin is ably assisted by a witty script and a talented ensemble cast led by Jenn Robbins, who quickly grabs the audience and sandblasts the fourth wall with her inquiries directed to the observers. And even while the audience is laughing merrily, a serious undercurrent soon emerges. This is a situation which may be familiar to many observing the production, whether it be personally or via a friend or relative: whose emotions are shattered by an extramarital affair?

Jenn Robbins and John Combs – Photo be Gabe Tejeda

The production crew again does an excellent job of creating an ambiance which breathes life into the characters. Jeff G. Rack’s set design manages to highlight the important elements which say middle class, working class, and/or wealthy. Michael Mullin’s costumes and Judi Lewin’s hair/wigs/makeup envelop the actors with the finery (or lack thereof) incumbent on this moment in time. Derrick McDaniel’s lighting and Nick Foran’s sound help the audience stay focused on the key aspects of the story.

Christopher Franciosa and Isabella DiBernardino – Photo by Gabe Tejeda

Theatre 40 has done it again, taking a creative and pragmatic look at real life with all its flaws and foibles and turning it into a very funny but also poignant view of people and how they deal with life. This is a must-see production which will amuse and entertain – and perhaps also prove thought-provoking.

Grinnell Morris and Jenn Robbins – Photo by Gabe Tejeda

BECKY’S NEW CAR runs through June 15, 2025, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Theatre 40 is located on the campus of Beverly Hills High School, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Parking is in the parking lot on campus beneath the theater. Tickets are $35. For information and reservations, call 310-364-0535 or go online.