Fort Worth’s Circle Theatre continues its 30th Anniversary Season with Becky’sNew Car, a new play by renowned playwright Steven Dietz. When Becky’s New Car first premiered in 2008, Variety claimed that it takes the audience on a smart, comic cruise through the perils of middle-aged longing and regre In 2009, it was one of six finalists for the prestigious Steinberg New Play Award given by the American Theatre Critics Association.
Preview performances are Thursday, July 28; Friday, July 29; and Saturday, July 30 (matinee). The production officially opens Saturday evening, July 30, at 8:00pm, followed by a post-show party with the cast and crew.
Performance Dates and Times
July 28 – August 27, 2011
July 28, 29, & 30, 2011 -Matinee
Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 8:00pm
Thursdays at 7:30pm
Fridays at 8:00pm
Saturdays at 3:00pm & 8:00pm
Under the direction of Robin Armstrong, Circle Theatre’s production of Becky’s New Car features John S. Davies* (Walter); Lisa Fairchild* (Becky); Mark Fickert* (Joe); Stan Graner (Steve); Fritz Ketchum (Ginger); Curtis Raymond Shideler (Chris); and Meg Shideler (Kenni).
Circle Theatre’s Executive Director, Rose Pearson, says, “With this show, Circle Theatre not only is discovering a new play, but is also forming a delightful friendship with Charles & Benita Staadecker, the couple who commissioned the writing of Becky’s New Car. The Staadeckers travel to see the opening of every production, so our cast, crew and patrons will have the chance to meet them, in person, when they come to Fort Worth for our opening. Charles Staadecker claims Circle Theatre is now part of their Becky’s New Car family.
Becky’ New Car Plot
Playwright, Steven Dietz, introduces us to Becky Foster, a normal kind of gal who is married, middle-aged and a mom. She isn’t exactly unhappy, but from her desk at a car dealership, she can’t help wanting to know what else is out there. Unexpected plot twists and turns make this quirky comedy a journey worth remembering. (Adult Content due to subject matter)
Becky’s New Car was commissioned and originally produced by ACT Theatre in Seattle, Washington, and was part of the New Works for American Theatre in honor of Benita Staadecker. Kurt Beattie, Artistic Director; Susan Trapnell, Managing Director.
The Playwright
Steven Dietz, born and raised in Denver, Colorado, graduated in 1980 with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. Soon thereafter he moved to Minneapolis and began his career as a director of new plays at The Playwrights’ Center, where he eventually became resident director for a period of ten years. He began writing plays of his own in 1981, and since 1983, his twenty-plus plays have been seen at over one hundred regional theatres in the United States, as well as Off-Broadway.
International productions have been seen in thirteen countries and translated into seven different languages. In 2010, Dietz placed eighth on the list of the Top Ten Most Produced Playwrights in America, sharing that spot with Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee. He has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Kennedy Center Fund for New Plays (Fiction), the PEN USA West Award in Drama (Lonely Planet), and the 2007 Edgar Award for Drama (Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure). He currently lives in Austin, Texas, where he teaches playwriting and directing at the University of Texas.
The Director
Robin Armstrong returns to Circle Theatre to direct her second show in the theatre’s 30th Anniversary Season. Robin most recently directed Circle’s productions of Boeing-Boeing and Bright Ideas, and Collin Theatre Center’s production of Hello Human Female.
She is scheduled to direct Seven in One Blow at Circle Theatre later this season. In 2010, Robin directed Circle Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Bach at Leipzig, which garnered multiple Dallas Critics’ Forum Awards for Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Creative Contribution (for fight choreography and costume design), and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast. Bach at Leipzig was also cited on the year in Review Top Ten Lis for Dallas Voice, Critical Rant and Rave, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Dallas Observer, Theater Jones and D Magazine. Robin earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre from Louisiana State University.
Circle Theatre
Founded in 1981 by Rose Pearson and Bill Newberry, Circle Theatre is currently producing its 30th anniversary season of live theatre. The Theatre’s mission is to present professional contemporary and innovative productions in its intimate 125-seat setting Circle Theatre is partially supported by the City of Fort Worth, the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the Community Foundation of North Texas, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. For further information, please visit the Circle Theatre fan page on Facebook, www.CircleTheatre.com, or follow the Theatre on Twitter at circle_theatre.
Friday, August 19th, is University Night at Circle Theatre. Student tickets will be available for $5. Faculty and staff tickets are $10.’University Nigh tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Use the code UNIV to qualify for this offer when purchasing tickets at the box office or online. Students and Seniors (65+) receive a $5 discount on any full-priced tickets. Student Rush tickets are available for half price, at half an hour before showtime (on standby).
Groups of 10 (or more) receive a $5 discount on each full-priced ticket. Circle Theatre accepts the KERA Member Rewards Card, Sundance Square Inside the Square coupons and the Star-Telegram Press Pass.
Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Call 817.877.3040 or stop by Circle’s box office,
Tuesday through Friday, from 12:00pm to 5:00 pm or one hour before showtimes. Circle Theatre now offers online ticketing at www.CircleTheatre.com.
