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?  


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

RESERVATIONS: In person or by phone through the Brüka Box Office (775) 323-3221.


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