Enter the strange world of the Wadsworth Family. A bit bizarre and surprising, The Baby is Just Terrific! This is not the family next door, or perhaps they are?
~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~
Check out some photos of The Baby. I have chosen not to include any images of Baby yet, as the actor’s identity is secret until showtime. I will update this review and include photos of Baby in a week or so.
The Story of “The Baby”
The Wadsworth Family is your average family, except for just about everything. There is the domineering mom, two dutiful sisters, and their brother, “Baby.” Baby is a special needs child who happens to be a 20-year-old man with the intellect of Baby.
A social worker comes to the Wadsworth house to check on the welfare of Baby; she is a bit disturbed by what she finds. The question is, “Is Baby’s mother keeping him from advancing? The social worker is determined to help Baby to become as much of an adult as he can.
And yes, his legal name is Baby.
The story of The Baby takes some surprising twists and turns; some are a bit disturbing but, in a way, funny? You tell me, did you laugh? Were you shocked?
As Bruka tells us: “EXPLICIT THEATRE WARNING – Due to language, drug references, other adult themes, and overall perversity, The Baby is not appropriate for children or uptight squares, man! “
The Performances
The cast is great, with a few standouts.
Rachael Gottas plays Mama Wadsworth, the controlling matriarch of the family. Gottas is terrific as Mama, who is determined to keep Baby a baby.
Lupe Alvarez plays Ann Gentry, the social worker with a hidden agenda. Alvarez holds her character’s true intentions close to the vest untill, well, you will find out what she wants when you see The Baby.
Rachel Douglass plays Alba Wadsworth, the sister with a mean streak. Douglass plays sadistic with glee.
Alicia Gardner plays Germain Wadsworth, the sister with a self-serving agenda. Gardner shows her character’s desires with nothing more than a look.
The as for now Unknown Actor is amazing as Baby. Playing Baby is more complex than you would think, and Fred.., oops, I almost spilled the beans, well, the as-of-yet Unknown Actor gives a lesson in bringing depth to the role of this man-child.
The rest of the cast is great; indeed, they are the glue that keeps all the pieces together.
The Bottom Line
The Baby is a bizarre ride that will entertain you and fill you with uneasy laughter. Don’t be afraid to see The Baby; the original movie came out in 1968 and was indeed shocking for the time, but we have evolved since then.
The Baby
Directed by Michael Grimm
Produced by Mary Bennett
Cast
Lupe Alvarez as Ann Gentry
Rachel Douglass as Alba Wadsworth
Rachael Gottas as Mama Wadsworth
Alicia Gardner as Germain Wadsworth
Mystery Actor as Baby
Rodney Hurst as Mr. Foley, Doctor, and Dennis
Darcy Lenardson as Judith and Party Person
Bella Mason as Babysitter and Party Person
Creatives and Crew
Technical Director, Sound Opperation, and Lighting Design: David Simpson
Set Design and Build: Lewis Zaumeyer
Costumer: Deborah Morrison
Prop Coordination: Rose Sambrano
Performance Dates
October 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 16(A),17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26 @ 7:30 PM 2024 SUNDAY Matinee: October 13 @ 2 PM
Box Office Link: https://www.bruka.org/boxoffice
Brüka Theatre
99 N. Virginia St, Reno 775.323.3221 www.bruka.org
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