Theatrical Review: I Ought To Be In Pictures.

I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES
Written by: Neil Simon
Directed by: Chris Centrella
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their production of Neil Simon‘s “I Ought To Be In Pictures” in their Black Box Theatre. This was the second production placed in this new intimate theatrical setting and it proved to be a wise choice. It not only allowed the audience experience the play through the words and behaviors of the actors but it also allowed them to look into the heart of the play.

“I Ought To Be In Pictures” is about a daughter of an out of work screen writer who comes to visit her father whom she hasn’t seen since her early childhood sixteen years ago. The play explores many of the issue arising from such an occurrence which includes regret, anger, and the desire to make amends. However, it’s all done with the fine mixture of humor and pathos the mastery of Neil Simon has become known for. The audience finds itself laughing while coming to terms with the plays deeper exploration of the issues that invades their hearts. This is what comedic theatre does at its best.

“I Ought To Be In Pictures” cast consists of Rob Ramos* who portrayed Herb (the father who left his home to follow his dream of becoming a writer only to realize an even larger and more fulfilling dream when he rediscovers something he left behind), Eileen Schmitt who portrayed Libby (the daughter who wants to desperately connect with the missing pieces in her life and to follow her own dreams while maintaining her new reconnection), and Marie Steeger* who portrayed Steffy (Herb’s girlfriend who provides the emotional wisdom embodied in the soul of the play). Each actor portrayed their part as if it was written for them. This made the evening a very enjoyable one to those who enjoy good theatre.

However, there was one slight flaw in an otherwise stellar evening at the theatre. There is a term in comedic theatre which refers to those utterance which are meant to illicit laughter from the audience. These utterances are called “Laugh Lines.” It’s customary for the actors speaking these lines to give a pause to allow the audience’s laughter to reach its fullness before proceeding to the next line. This pause was missing during some of the production but such a situation is often self correcting as a play continues it run and the watchful eye of the director and the instinctive nature of the actors progresses with each performance.

The Production was Directed Chris Centrella* and Stage Managed by Irene Garner. The Technical Director was Kayla Goble who also operated the Light board and the Costumer was Amanda Hughlette. Producers were Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while Midge McClosky* served as The Theatre’s Executive Director. The Box Office Staff consists of Mary Horn, Lillian Gonzalez, and Kasey Mesko. Amy Cramer* served as Marketing Assistant.

This production of “I Ought To Be In Pictures” by Neil Simon will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until August 26th. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-421-5093 or by exploring their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. This play is recommended to those who enjoy exploring the estranged emotional bonds with others and themselves while doing so with a smile.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.