An Analysis of the Showing of Becky's New Car, a Play by Steven Dietz

On Friday, March 02, 2018, I attended the showing of Becky’s New Car, written by Steven Dietz in the year 1958. This play was shown at Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre located in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Special arrangements with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. Part of the production received funds from the Clarion Students’ Association. The play was very relevant to the lives of many people. Such melancholy ideas appealed to many audience members. We have all desired a new or different life, or at least changes in life at some point on our journeys.

Not everyone receives such desires as reality, but Becky Foster is granted such in this playwright. Many of us are not given such an opportunity, as Becky was. However, the ride was filled with bumpy roads and unpredictable storms. How far exactly does Becky go to receive a “better life, the answer is too far in my opinion. Money is the root of all evil in this play, and causes Becky to destroy many peoples lives in the process of gaining her own happiness.

In Becky’s New Car, the main character Becky is a good woman in the beginning, however, this change when she meets the man by the name of Walter at her workplace. Walter is a wealthy man who is at the car dealership to purchase 9 cars for his workers. He takes a liking to Becky, and believes, that like him, she is a widow. Walter assumes this, although Becky’s husband Joe is still very much alive and well.

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Although Joe is a very hard worker, Becky also works to try and support her family, which also includes the couple’s older son Chris who also lives there. Chris is a total deadweight in the family, and certainly doesn’t pull his weight, which is somewhat of the reason they struggle to make mends meet. Walter also has a daughter Kenni, who is significant to the story as well. Who appears to be very relaxed and easy going, the total opposite of Becky. Becky is both underappreciated and paid in her job. Which is why she chose to go with Walter when he asks her out, and also why she doesn’t tell him the full truth of her marital situation.

Becky is in a turning point in her life, this is due to her age and situation she is in. Most likely, if her family had a lavish lifestyle, she wouldn’t have chosen to go with Walter and cheat on her husband. In the initial part of the story, Becky actually informs audiences that they will more than likely like Joe more than her. Audiences are confused initially, because Becky appears to be a hardworking and loving wife, but all of that changes when she meets Walter. The ride with Walter at first is fun, but Becky doesn’t want her husband to find out. Although, it is inevitable, especially with the blackmail and numerous calls from Walter all hours of the night. The appeal of money led Becky to a troubling situation, and she was ready to run anyone over to find a better life for herself. She not only hurt her family, but herself, and Walter as well in this play. The directing, acting, and design are very important in this playwright. Robert Bullington was the director of this selection. He was responsible for several components of this performance such as blocking, casting, interactions of characters, and the pace of the play.

Blocking, is the technique of moving the props and characters around. In my opinion, these components were done quite well. The scenes matched the areas the characters were in and change happened quickly. Some points, the audiences could see the picture and props changing, however, in other parts, it was done behind the scenes. Casting is the part of theatre when people are chosen for specific parts. I feel that each character chosen by Bullington was perfect. All characters played their roles very good, especially Becky in my opinion. She appeared to be the most acquainted with her character. The interaction of the characters was also well done. The play was both humorous and serious at points, just as Dietz proposed when he wrote the playwright. The pace of this performance was very good and easy to keep up with. The acting aspects of this play were impeccable. I say this because all played their roles very well, especially Becky. Through her facial expressions, audiences could tell when she was being funny or serious. Her voice was also not monotone at all, she spoke loudly during some parts, and quieter during others. By doing so, the actor is successful in playing her role. She shows audiences what is to come and the present scheme of things.

Joey, just like Becky, used many facial expressions. We see this, especially, when he is questioning Becky on these phone calls by Walter. Audiences can tell that he has suspicion through the gloomy and questioning look on his face, this made a successful and believable actor. Walter was also very believable, his voice became sweet when speaking to Becky, and his eyes had a glint of adoration in them. He was successful in showcasing his feeling towards her. The design of this production was also significant to the audience’s opinion and views of it. The lighting was very well done, at some points it was dim, and other well lighting, depending on the scene at hand. It helped make the days passing more easily and visible to audiences. Also, the sound was very good as well. Moments that were suspenseful were showcased with loud sounds. Costumes were very believable as well. Although, there were not many costume changes, that are typical in plays. Nonetheless, each of these design concepts played an extremely important role in this production. In my opinion, this story is very stage-worthy and successful as well.

A story like this, where audiences can directly relate with the situations at hand makes audiences more inclined to be entertained. I found myself very intrigued with what was going to happen, and many plot twists occurred. I feel that any other actors chosen would not have made this such a great performance. The most memorable aspects of this play would certainly be the underlying messages that caused great reflection in me. Sometimes, we as humans become so overwhelemed with money, we forget that some thigns cannot be bought. We should all be content with the life we have, and quit wishing for more. Money will make people do unthinkable things that go against all they believe, as we saw in this play.