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"When a woman says she wants a new car, she wants a new life," explains actress Kimberly King as Becky Foster in the New Theatre's latest production, Becky's New Car. Directed by Richard Carrothers, the show is a quirky and unique look at love and marriage.

Written by contemporary American playwright, Steven Dietz, Becky's New Car allows a middle-aged woman to try on a new life. Mistaking her for a widow, a millionaire widower woos Becky Foster at her workplace, a car dealership. She goes along with the flirtation, despite the fact that she loves her husband and her old life is perfectly fine. And what of the mysterious Mrs. Tipton, who just wants her expensive black car as quickly as possible? The play premiered in Seattle in 2008 with Kimberly King playing the lead. King reprises the role at the New Theatre.

The show was unusual and often surprising. King breaks the fourth wall often by asking the audience for advice or help. And she is magically transported from work to home with a light change and a sound effect, which she acknowledges with a wink. The mysterious Mrs.Tipton storyline was almost serious, but lighting and a fog machine sent it over the top, in a good way.

John Davidson, of Hollywood Squares and the Tonight Show, costars as eccentric millionaire, Walter Flood. His comic timing and his larger-than-life presence lent itself to this role perfectly. Steve, played by local favorite Craig Benton, is an offbeat car salesman who wears a pair of hiking boots everywhere. His puppy monologue, well, I can scarcely think of it now without chuckling.

The cast also includes New Theatre regular, Jim Korinke, as husband Joe. Korinke is wonderfully trusting; he was the average Joe (hah, just got that) that most women end up marrying. Todd Lanker plays son Chris in his first New Theatre appearance, and Ashlee LaPine, last seen in Run for Your Wife, is Walter Flood's daughter, Kenni. Jan Chapman, recently seen in Kiss of the Spider Woman at the MET, is Ginger, a society woman who is rapidly running out of money.

The set was fantastically abstract. Jason Coale's scenic design suggested many locations, while keeping in mind the fluid nature of the show. I felt as if I were viewing modern art that somehow represented the structure of Becky's life. Perhaps that's a stretch.

Randy B. Winder really had some fun with his lighting design, since the show did not have to look realistic. Color washes on the back indicated Becky's location, and spots showed the audience where to focus. My favorite lighting scenes were the driving ones, especially in the second act.

Roger Stoddard's sound was terrific. I chuckled at the "whooshing" sounds when switching locations. The phone noises, the driving, everything worked. And using Jason Mraz at the beginning? Fantastic. The whole crowd was bobbing along. Mary Traylor's costumes were quirky, and very creative to accomplish some of King's quick changes.

This show was a bit of a risk for the New Theatre, and I think it paid off. Becky's New Car was slightly abstract, and quite a change for audiences used to Neil Simon. Plus, with a new play, you cannot rely on name recognition to fill the seats. However, I think most people appreciate entertainment that is honest and witty; Becky's New Car is both.  If all else fails, how could you not love John Davidson?

REVIEW
New Theatre
Becky's New Car
Runs April 15 to June 20
New Theatre Restaurant
9229 Foster, Overland Park, KS
For tickets call 913-649-7469 or online at www.newtheatre.com