Sue Rogers Spices Things Up As Ginger in Becky’s New Car

Sue Rogers (back seat) revels in the role of Ginger, a wealthy socialite that dishes witty barbs in Becky's New Car

Shifting gears.  Changing lanes.  Taking the high road.  Choosing the path not taken.  Automotive analogies abound in Becky’s New Car – playing at the Farmington Players Barn Theater through February 25 – as protagonist Becky Foster sells cars for a living, but has to navigate a mid-life crisis that takes her in an unexpected direction.

Sue Rogers is a key member in Becky’s seven-person ensemble cast.  Sue plays Ginger, who she describes as a “wealthy socialite who gets her come-uppance—and actually enjoys careening into ‘downward mobility.’”  Since Sue describes herself as a “social worker and unabashed bleeding heart liberal,” her portrayal of the class-conscious Ginger is ironic: “What could be more fun than dressing up and rubbing elbows with the wealthy elite, while throwing out witty barbs and social criticism?”  Sue describes the show as “a modern-day comedy of manners.  We enjoy these characters because, just like our real friends, they have their goofy—and their wicked—sides. And like all good theater, this is a play with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but it also makes us think. What do we need to let go of? What do we hold most dear?”

One thing that Sue holds dear is the opportunity to reunite with long-time pal Cynthia Tupper, who is directing Sue for the seventh time – most recently in Rumors (2014) and Noises Off! (2004).  As Sue says, “Cynthia knows funny—and audiences will have a blast going along for the ride in Becky’s New Car.”  For her part, Cynthia says, “All of the characters are somehow stuck in their lives and desiring a big change.  How they go about getting themselves unstuck is an interesting process that not only makes you laugh but think.”  In addition to Cynthia, Sue is also happy to reconnect with Erin Osgood and Bob Hotchkiss, and to work with other Barn members she’s previously admired on stage. Sue loves the structure of the play – especially the audience interaction – about which she says, “You never know what can happen in live theater and this brings an added element of surprise each night. The audience really becomes a part in the play, rooting for the characters, not just from afar, but in the living room, in the office, and cruising along in the car.”

Becky’s New Car opened at the Farmington Players Barn Theater on February 10 with nine performances through February 25.  The show is proudly sponsored by Cadillac Travel.  Tickets are available online at farmingtonplayers.org or by emailing boxoffice@farmingtonplayers.org or calling the Barn box office at 248-553-2955.