Mid-life Mayhem

Imagine your life being completely thrown inside out and upside down when you find out that your wife is cheating on you. Especially when she feels caught in the middle of life, her dead-end career, and a middling marriage; all concerns she never addressed with you.  This is the plot of "Becky's New Car," a production currently being performed at the Pump House in downtown La Crosse.     

In the play, these very emotions are experienced through the lives of Becky and Joe Foster. Yet, the underlying insanity somehow leads to a humorous plot that seemingly gives the cast a breath of salvation.

It may seem impossible to portray such a heavy situation in a light and fluffy manner, but the cast somehow pulls it off flawlessly. "In the real world people turn to humor to deal with things," said actor Susan Fox, who plays Ginger, a wealthy, forgetful woman.

The cast found inspiration from within their own lives to support the heated feelings they display on stage.

Jillian Kuhl, makes connections with her character, Jenni Flood, on multiple levels. "I try figuring out what's real and what's important in life," Kuhl said, "I myself am figuring things out, just like my character Jenni."

The friendly off-stage banter between the cast keeps things fresh between their stage personas. Director Anne Drecktrah works hard to keep everyone in check without impairing the ability to let their creativity and individual voices evoke the audience.

Diane Bresser takes on the role of Becky Foster and said that the experience is unforgettable.  The crew's stage presence and excitement pulls the plot together and creates a truly splendid experience for the audience.

Keeping the audience on their toes even after the performance is over is a true art form.  Colin Thelen, who plays Becky Foster's son, Chris, has an interesting take on what he wants the audience to get out of the show.

"I want the audience to leave knowing everything, to find a way to muddle through and come out better in the end. It's all about emotional endurance," Thelen said.

Steve, played by Adam Petchel, serves as the comic relief and believes the show can influence lasting change for the audience. "Conflict builds stronger relationships resulting in a deeper emotional connection," Petchel said.

This performance is bound to stretch your imagination and tickle funny bones you didn't even know you had. Performances will continue Feb. 18-20 and 23-25. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online at www.thepumphouse.org for $19.