ELITE PRODUCTION `OUGHT TO BE' A CROWD PLEASER : WELL-DIRECTED PLAY EXPLORES FAMILY BOND.

Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News

A great deal can be said about family ties. For amusing yet enlightening truths on that theme courtesy of Neil Simon's incisive wit, see The Elite Theatre Company's ``I Ought to be in Pictures'' at the Petit Theatre.

Hollywood writer Herb Tucker (a charming, comfortable performance by Vincent Dandrews) walked out on his wife and two small children in Brooklyn 16 years ago. Since then he's lost touch with them, his creativity has hit an impasse and his relationship with longtime girlfriend Steffy Blondell (played honestly and warmly by Mary Super) is going nowhere.

Enter long-lost daughter Libby Tucker, a breath of fresh air. The tough-talking, sincere and energetic 19-year-old covers up her quest to get to know her father with an ambition to become a movie star.

Like a punch in the stomach, she's unafraid to ask the tough questions about why he left and why he never kept in touch. Deborah Probe, who superbly played Jo in the Elite's recent production of ``Little Women,'' brings a dynamic energy and excitement to this role.

The confrontational beginning gradually leads to a deeper relationship between father and daughter, and Herb finds himself opening up emotionally and creatively. By play's end, Herb's romance with Steffy has improved, and he's made plans to reacquaint himself with his son.

The naturalness of the scenes and actors stood out thanks to great direction by Patricia Lynn-Strickland. Hearing Herb gargling offstage in an unseen bathroom was a wonderful touch. The casting was excellent, with each actor blending into a very believable whole.

Production designer Glen Jacobs did an excellent job with the very realistic Hollywood bungalow set. He paid attention to all the delightfully small but homey details that enhanced the feel of the play.

The Elite Theatre Company consistently mounts well-acted and well-directed productions, and it's certainly worth the drive to check them out.

The Oxnard Heritage Square location - local historical Victorian homes lovingly restored - only enhances the experience.

THE FACTS WHAT: ``I Ought to be in Pictures'' by Neil Simon.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through April 13.

WHERE: The Petit Playhouse, 730 South ``B'' Street, Heritage Square, Oxnard.

COST: $10 per person, $8 seniors.

INFORMATION: [phone].

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Photo

Photo: Vincent Dandrews and Deborah Probe star in The Elite Theatre Company's ``I Ought to be in Pictures.''