It’s part comedy and part heart-rending drama, part romance and part farce. Manoa Valley Theatre’s production of "Becky’s New Car" is not an easy show to categorize, but playwright Steven Dietz’s juxtaposition of those diverse elements makes it unpredictable, thought-provoking entertainment.

Becky, a 40-something approaching 50, has a clerical job in a car dealership because her family needs the money. Her husband, Joe, is a hardworking roofing contractor whose income is subject to the shifts in the economy. Becky and Joe have a son, Chris, who is in his mid-20s and still taking college classes; he lives in their basement, pays no rent and lards his conversation with pretentious psycho-babble.

One night at the dealership, after all the salesmen have gone home, multimillionaire Walter Flood comes in and places an order for nine top-of-the-line cars with all the extras. Walter is a widower and still recovering from the death of his wife. He assumes from what Becky says — and doesn’t say — that she is a widow.

Becky tries to correct Walter’s misconception but doesn’t say straight out that he’s wrong.

Walter calls the next day and invites Becky to a dinner party at his estate. Becky is tempted but hesitant. Joe gets the impression that the caller is Becky’s boss, inviting her to help host a big promotional event for the dealership, and almost pushes her out the door.

And so off she goes.

Manoa Valley Theatre guest director Brittni Shambaugh’s seven-person cast does an excellent job.

Amy K. Sullivan hits all the right notes in sharing Becky’s concerns about her life, her future and the temptation to break free and pursue new opportunities. MVT producing director Dwight T. Martin (Walter) gives an engaging performance as the super-wealthy widower.

Jim Aina (Joe) makes the husband a sympathetic character, a good-hearted guy who has no idea that his wife is unhappy.

Four talented actors shine brightly in supporting roles. Stu Hira­yama bounces off the scenery as an emotionally unstable car salesman who is also still recovering from the death of his wife. Nai‘a Aguirre is adorable as Walter’s pampered but not spoiled daughter. Fabienne Flandre-Herold adds poignancy as a woman born to great wealth whose trust funds have run out. Shaun Diki­lato is appropriately irksome as the self-centered, stay-at-home son.

The show opens and closes with actors speaking to the audience. That "fourth wall" is broken many times in between.

There are some deep and seriously thought-provoking moments. Would you want to know that your spouse was cheating on you?