The UA-Fort Smith Theater Department is set to captivate audiences with a delightful comedy, "Becky's New Car." Directed by Associate Professor Sally Story, the production features a talented cast led by student Shayla Woolsey in the title role, alongside Tate Carnley and Tobin Lincovich. The play promises to take the audience on a humorous journey, exploring the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of a new life.

Navigating the Crossroads of Life and Laughter

A Glimpse into Becky's Ordinary Life

The story follows Becky Foster, a woman trapped in a mundane marriage and career. When she is unexpectedly presented with the opportunity to explore a new life, she finds herself at a crossroads, grappling with the temptation of infidelity. Woolsey's portrayal of Becky's internal struggle promises to captivate the audience, as she navigates the emotional turmoil of her character's choices.

A Talented Ensemble Brings the Story to Life

Joining Woolsey on stage are a talented ensemble, including Tate Carnley as Becky's husband, Joe Foster, and Tobin Lincovich in a supporting role. The production also features Landon Carrier, Audrey Houghton, Noah Comstock, and Alyssa Foley, each bringing their unique talents to the stage.

Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes

The success of "Becky's New Car" is not solely dependent on the actors; a dedicated team of theater professionals is working tirelessly behind the scenes. Stage manager Kara Rush, technical director Rebekah Martin, set designer Mattie Wright, lighting designer MJ Long, and costume/makeup designer Zoe Russ are among the unsung heroes who bring the production to life.

Director's Vision: Appreciating the Ordinary

Director Sally Story's vision for the production is to challenge the audience's perceptions and encourage them to appreciate the ordinary. "I'm hoping the audience takes away that they should appreciate what they have," Story said. "Because I think Becky doesn't do that at first, and she must experience this extramarital affair to figure it out. Everyone can relate that they think the grass is greener on the other side, but once you get there, it's not what you thought it would be at all."

Overcoming Personal Challenges

For lead actress Shayla Woolsey, the role of Becky presented a unique challenge. "That's been my biggest challenge aside from the line load," Woolsey said. "Having the experience to understand somebody and know what it feels like, and not let my personal opinions affect how I play them has been a big issue because I don't think her actions are forgivable. It's been very much an exercise so far, but I really have enjoyed it."

Exploring the Complexities of Relationships

Tate Carnley, who portrays Becky's husband, Joe, delves into the complexities of relationships and the potential for forgiveness. "Would I be OK if someone cheated on me? How would I react to that?" Carnley said. "An honest answer with me would be if I really cared for that person that much, I would take her back, and I would still love her. I don't look at this like, 'That's it. Becky's gone.' I see that this is a new life for us and a new future for us to see."

Expanding the Theater Department's Repertoire

Since joining the UA-Fort Smith faculty, Director Sally Story has implemented a rotation schedule to expose students and audiences to a diverse range of genres and playwrights. "We wanted to focus on doing shows this year that give us joy," Story said. "We haven't done shows that are funny before. We wanted to do something celebratory of life and appreciate what we have. I want to make sure all the students get a comedy under our belt and something that makes us laugh a little bit."

Mastering the Art of Comedy

Directing a comedy presents unique challenges, as Story explains. "With comedy, you have to really focus on pacing, and this show moves quickly," she said. "That affects all the elements, the lighting, the set, the sound effects… we want the audience to feel like they're watching a runaway train."

Innovative Rehearsal Techniques

The production also incorporates innovative rehearsal techniques, including breaking the fourth wall and working with the Michael Chekhov technique, which Story is currently pursuing certification in. "The last bit of the show is vital because that's what you leave the audience with. It's been an interesting approach. It's different in terms of what I usually do. I'm very practical, so my approach is action- and objective-based. This technique is more like creating an atmosphere, like what is the atmosphere of this moment, right now? And let's create that moment together."

Anticipating the Next Production

Following the success of "Becky's New Car," the UA-Fort Smith Theater Department is already looking ahead to their next production, Richard Bean's "One Man, Two Guvnors." Story is excited about the opportunity to explore a new genre, stating, "It's going to be fun for the students because it's a farce, and it'll have physical comedy. It'll be a different skill set for me to use when I go out there to start directing."