Wolf River Theatrical Troupe stages play
By John Faucher
“Just so you know that’s not me in real life” said Patty Grossman, a convincing lead in the upcoming Wolf River Theatrical Troupe’s production of “Becky’s New Car” by Steven Dietz.
Grossman plays the role of Becky in this story of a middle-aged woman’s crisis as she peels at the layers of longing and regret in her life.
Her character Becky relates early on in the play that “when a woman says she needs a new car, what she really means is she needs a new life.”
Grossman’s husband Mark plays the wealthy Mr. Walter Flood in the play.
The gentle comedy takes the audience along as Becky relates the story of her decisions and the consequences of her mid-life crisis while dealing with an aged child still living at home, and a job where she’s over worked and seemingly under appreciated.
Her stage husband Joe Foster, a roofer by trade is played by veteran troupe actor Jim Sexton.
Sexton is a 20-plus year veteran of the troupe and continues to deliver mind stopping performances at the community theater.
Directed by Margie Brown, the performance takes the audience on a journey through a series of seemingly unbelievable terms for Becky that actually turn into reality for her family and a small network of others.
Rita Thiel, Tommy Micke, and Olivia Levezow add to the local cast.
The play is not the first one the Grossman’s have performed together. They’ve played the roles of husband and wife in a different production two years ago.
“This one was a little different,” said Mark Grossman after a dress rehearsal Monday night.
“I think what made this easy was having Jim Sexton play Patty’s husband. We love doing shows with Jim. He is strong in whatever roles he plays. We just have a lot of fun with him,” said Grossman.
The show opens Thursday, Feb.20, and follows with performances Feb. 21-22 and again on Feb. 27-29.
Brown said curtain call is at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15. Reservations are available by calling Judy McDaniel at 920-982-6060. Refreshments and treats are available to purchase.
Located at 304 St. John’s Place in New London, the theater is wheelchair accessible.