“Reckless” wheels onto the Masquers’ stage

Reckless, by Craig Lucas, is a free wheeling comedy with tight turns and desperate situations. It is also the first Masquers’ play of the new decade and will open on February 26.

As director Ken Greene says, “This is a play that really grabbed me because it has so many elements that I love. It is quirky and edgy and at the same time very humane. The story covers a great amount of time so we can see the consequences of choices and what that means. In that way it talks to the soul. I also like that it has a surprise ending.”

Ken freely brings his own surprises to this play, working with it in a way that enhances the written word by carefully constructing each detail of the action. He is also on stage as an actor, playing several roles, including one non-human. Theater-goers will remember him as the director of such memorable plays as Pasta, A Bad Year for Tomatoes and The Nerd.

The playwright brings us the story of Rachel, a character caught in situations that make her careen recklessly through life, trying to avoid the pitfalls that constantly occur. In her journey she finds it necessary to change her name and re-invent herself when she needs to. Melissa Sloan who plays the main character has been in many productions at Masquers, including Defying Gravity, Proof and The Curious Savage. She is able to capture the charming ditsiness of Rachel.

Kyle Leslie plays Lloyd, a person who does charity work and has “issues” with Santa Claus. His wife, Pooty, played by Renee’ Johnson is confined to a wheel chair. Peggy Dubey plays Trish, a scheming secretary, and Zach Knudsen plays her boss, Roy. Other cast members are Timi Knesek, Beverly Hasper, and Caleb Henson.

Masquers decided to play it safe and give this play a PG rating because there are people who die on stage and some who get shot at. All of this is in a comedy setting, and there is one questionable word that may or may not be in it.