This play is performed with the permission of Dramatists Play Service INC. Becky’s New Car was commissioned and originally produced by ACT Theatre in Seattle, Washington, and was a part of the New Works for American Theatre in honor of Benita Staadecker, Kurt Beattie, Artistic Director; Susan Trapnell, Managing Director. SET TING Place: The present. Becky’s Living Room & Bill Buckley Lexus-Saturn-Nissan-Mitsubishi & A Terrace on Walter’s Oceanside Estate & Becky’s Car . . . In and around an American city very much like Seattle. Time: The present. CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEAR ANCE) Becky................................................................................................................................. Megan Ann Jacobs Chris, her son.........................................................................................................................Thomas Sebald Joe, her husband................................................................................................................. Joshua Scheibe Steve, her co-worker...............................................................................................Abednego Samudera Walter, a millionaire...................................................................................................................Ben Adickes Kenni, his daughter..........................................................................................................Brittany Peterson Ginger, a friend of Walter’s..........................................................................................Kimberly Neuman P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director.............................................................................................................................Prof. Simon Provan Scene & Lighting Design............................................................................................... Prof. Jay Sierszyn Costume Design.................................................................................................................. Hannah Stellick Sound Design.................................................................................................................Prof. Simon Provan Stage Manager......................................................................................................................... Ashley DeVos Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................................................. Kyle Marti Props Master........................................................................................................................... Elaina Helmen Assistant Costumer.................................................................................................................Katlyn Rogers Lighting Assistant/Board Operator................................................................................Keela Frederick Sound Board Operator......................................................................................... Alexandra Richardson Marketing and Promotions..............................................................................................Octavia Morton Theatre Dept. Administrative Staff ............................... Michelle East, Elaina Helmen, Kyle Marti Theatre Dept. Technical Staff.......................................... Ben Adickes (Shop Mgr), Ashley DeVos, Keela Frederick (Props Mgr), Hannah Greene, Brenda Kolell (Team Leader), Adam Kurth, Kaylin Pappenfuss, Katlyn Rogers (Costume Asst), Hannah Stellick (Costume Mgr), Franco Verges Moore
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D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E Faithfulness, or lack thereof. We live in a world where more and more distractions tempt us away from that to which we committed. A student who should be doing homework, but instead spends hours on video games; an office worker who should be focused on completing spreadsheets, but instead spends work time on Facebook; or, a husband or wife who should be committed to their spouse, but instead gets bored with marriage and seeks excitement in the arms a of another. The latter is where we find ourselves with Becky’s New Car. What’s more, not only do all of us give into life’s temptations, whether big or small, we all have the habit of trying to compartmentalize our lives; hence the saying, “Leave work at work and leave home at home.” Yet no matter how hard we try, we soon discover that every aspect of our lives is intertwined with every other aspect of our lives. The family I have is part of who I am. The work I do is part of who I am. The passions I have are part of who I am. The Savior I worship is part of who I am. Sooner or later we all come to realize that try as we might, what we do in one area of life will indeed affect all the other areas in life. Sometimes, that realization can be a breath of fresh air. Other times, it feels like the world collapsing. That is especially true when we discover our actions, especially those of unfaithfulness, are the cause of so much pain in the lives of others. When that happens, all we can hope for from the people we have hurt is forgiveness. Unfortunately, that forgiveness is not always forth coming because while the hurt was in our control, the forgiveness is not. It’s easy to judge someone when they don’t offer forgiveness; but let’s be honest, are there not hurts that you could suffer that you know it would be difficult to offer forgiveness? And if we are not being honest with ourselves, that way unfaithfulness lies. My hope is that after seeing this performance of Becky’s New Car, we can have open conversations about faithfulness and forgiveness with those we affect and are affected by in our own lives. And with this play being a “dark comedy,” do remember to laugh. Always remember to laugh.
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D E PA R TM E N T S TAT E M E N T The curriculum and activities of the Theatre Department are designed to explore, investigate and develop the creative process and cultural significance of story-telling in performance. We foster an integrated liberal arts approach distinguished by breadth in theatre study and a focus on analytical, critical, and creative thinking—especially with regard to the role of theatre in community and the application of theatre-related skills, knowledge and attitudes to many areas of life. The Major and Minor programs in theatre prepare students through a foundational understanding of the Lutheran doctrine of vocation that all labors are to be in service to one’s neighbor. To that end, the theatre program endeavors to prepare Christ-centered professional and amateur actors, artists, practitioners, managers and educators whose leadership and impact, we pray, will be significant today and tomorrow. The production programs of the department offer numerous co- and extra-curricular opportunities for all students in the college. It is our vision that through engagement with vital theatre experiences all of our students will seek to thrive as active audience members for the rest of their lives—contributing to, and therefore affecting, the broader culture in which we live. Theatre can play a role in a culture or community’s understanding of themselves and others around them. Producing theatre which is vital in a community requires exploring topics and presenting works that attempt to be truthful or seek truth—for some, many, or all of us. We certainly do not select topics intending to offend, yet we acknowledge that the content of drama is always humans, which we know are in a sinful condition— one that needs repair. Our characters and their circumstances are representative in a given situation, they are less often models to be followed. It is our hope that each and every person in the audience be provoked intellectually and emotionally to consider their own life in response to the world of the play, and that the reflection and discussion continues beyond the theatre doors. BIOGR APHIES Megan Ann Jacobs (Becky) is a junior at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and she has been itching to apply her theatre teachings from the last few semesters to a role. Becky’s New Car provided this and much more. She was moved by Bernard Malamud’s quote which Steven Dietz choose to include in his script, “we have two lives- the one we learn with, and the life we live after that.” This being Megan’s guiding principle as she explored the role of Becky, Megan can honestly say that this is one of her best theatre experiences to date and looks forward to 4
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many more in the future. Some other shows Megan has appeared in: Bending of the Bow,New York, and she worked behind the scenes in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Megan wishes to thank the cast and crew of this show for their love and support, which was something she would have survived without. As a Senior, the number of productions Ben Adickes (Walter) can look forward to participating in during his enrolment is shrinking fast. But rest assured, he won’t “go gently into that good
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night”. He’s grateful to be part of such a wonderful production, and thankful for your attendance here tonight. Ashley DeVos (Stage Manager) a sophomore, can be found drawing, reading, or joking around with friends in her spare time. Although she has been onstage in Bending of the Bow and Beeluther-hatchee and in the booth for The Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940s, this is her first time stage managing and she is thankful for all the support that the cast and staff gave her through the process and for allowing her to have so much fun. Kyle Marti (Assistant Stage Manager) has been involved in Theater productions for the past 13 years of his life and has participated in high school and a few public theater productions. Previous experience at WLC includes a part in the cast of Bending of the Bow. This is Kyle’s first time as assistant stage manager and he recognizes how much this cast has grown in the past weeks. Hope you enjoy the show, and to God be the Glory! Kimberly Neuman (Ginger) junior, is enthralled to be a part of Becky’s New Car. While studying Theatre & English majors, she enjoys every opportunity to grow in the craft and fellowship of that which is theatre. Performing and witty improvisation have been a part of her life since the age of three. Some of her notable roles include: ensemble member of The Bending of the Bow, Dorcas (Winter’s Tale), Golde (Fiddler on the Roof), and The Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz).
Brittany Peterson (Kenni) is a Junior majoring in Business Administration. This is her second appearance in a WLC production, the first being last semester’s show, Bee-Luther-Hatchee. She truly enjoys being a part of the theater productions at WLC and has found the directors, cast, and crew wonderful to work with. She is thankful for her family and friends for their continued support, and also for her understanding professors during tech week. Simon Provan (Director) Becky’s New Car marks Simon’s debut as director at WLC as he joined the WLC family on a fulltime basis earlier this year. Before WLC, Simon served as theatre director and on the faculty at UWWaukesha, UW-Marinette, and UWSheboygan. With an MFA in acting from the University of Texas-Austin, Simon is also a member of Actor’s Equity Association and remains an active professional actor, having appeared most recently with In Tandem Theatre as Donald in Apartment 3A. Along with other In Tandem shows, Simon has worked with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, First Stage Children’s Theatre, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, New American Theatre, Theatre X, Milwaukee Shakespeare Company, Lake Country Players, and as an acting intern with American Players Theatre and the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. On-camera, Simon can be seen as Cleopas in the Biblical featurette Road to Emmaus and will
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be appearing in the Milwaukee Film Festival short film selection Love You Still. Simon has also been featured in many commercials, most recently as the “smart guy” in the latest string of Mills Fleet Farm spots. The Provan’s are incredibly blessed to be active members of the Hope Church in Oconomowoc.“ To my dear Sarah, Grace, and Bethany – we made it! I love all of you... more!” Abednego Samudera (Steve) is excited to be a part of Becky’s New Car. Other previous works include: New York, Winter’s Tale, and The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. He would like to thank the cast, staff, family and friends for supporting him in this production. Josh Scheibe (Joe) is a junior this year, and has appeared in six Raabe productions, most recently as Patrick O’Reilly in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. He was also the sound designer/ board op for Bee-luther-hatchee. His most recent role was George Marx in the Offbook Players’ production of Canary Yellow, an original play by WLC alum Deanna Strasse. He is excited to be playing Joe, as the switch from playing a British Shakespearean actor to an American roofer has been amusing.
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Wisconsin Lutheran College
Thomas Sebald (Chris) is a sophomore and this is his third time on the WLC stage, appearing last season in The Bending of the Bow and Bee-Luther-Hatchee. In Becky’s New Car he plays the role of Chris, Becky and Joe’s 26-year-old-psych-studentstill-living-in-the-basement son. Lots of love to his family in Phoenix, Arizona. Soli Deo Gloria. Hannah Stellick (Costume Designer) is a senior this fall at Wisconsin Lutheran College double majoring in Elementary Education and Theatre and is grateful for the opportunity to costume design her largest show yet! Previous design credits include Canary Yellow for The Off-Book Players, Lovers and the Like, and New York both for Wisconsin Lutheran College. She would like to thank Simon and Jay for their support and guidance, her family and friends for their prayers and Katlyn Rogers for all the laughs and hours of help in the shop!
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READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, TEST PREP, COLLEGE PREP AND MORE! Becky’s New Car
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2013-14 WLC Theatre Season BECKY’S NEW CAR It’s not just a vehicle . . . By Steven Dietz Directed by Simon Provan September 21-29, 2013 Milwaukee Premiere!
The Importance of Being Earnest A trivial comedy for serious people. By Oscar Wilde Directed by Hannah Stellick November 8-16, 2013
Talents & Admirers
What we do for art…and love…and love of art. By Alexander Ostrovsky Directed by Jay Sierszyn Feb. 13-22, 2014
In Spite of Thunder: The Macbeth Project A de-/re-constructed look at “The Scottish Play.” By William Shakespeare Adapted by Suzan Zeder & Jim Hancock Directed by Simon Provan April 4-12, 2014 Wisconsin Premiere!
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