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 en·light·en tr.v. en·light·ened, en·light·en·ing, en·light·ens 1. To give spiritual or intellectual insight to: truths on that theme courtesy of Neil Simon's incisive incisive /in·ci·sive/ (-si´siv) 1. having the power or quality of cutting. 2. pertaining to the incisor teeth. in·ci·sive adj. 1. Having the power to cut. wit, see The Elite Theatre Company's ``I Ought to be in Pictures'' at the Petit PETIT, sometimes corrupted into petty. A French word signifying little, small. It is frequently used, as petit larceny, petit jury, petit treason. PETIT, TREASON, English law. The killing of a master by his servant; a husband by his wife; a superior by a secular or religious man. 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 reacquaint Verb reacquaint oneself with or become reacquainted with to get to know (someone) again Verb 1. himself with his son. The naturalness of the scenes and actors stood out thanks to great direction by Patricia Lynn-Strickland. Hearing Herb gargling Gargling is a common method of cleansing the throat, especially if one has a sore throat or upper-respiratory virus or infection. The physical act of gargling usually requires that one tilts the head back, allowing a mouthful of liquid to sit in the upper throat. offstage in an unseen bathroom was a wonderful touch. The casting was excellent, with each actor blending into a very believable be·liev·a·ble adj. Capable of eliciting belief or trust. See Synonyms at plausible. be·liev  a·bil whole.
Production designer Glen Jacobs Glen Thomas Jacobs (born April 26 1967) better known by his ring name Kane, is an American professional wrestler. He is currently performing for World Wrestling Entertainment on its Smackdown! brand. 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 Noun 1. Neil Simon - United States playwright noted for light comedies (born in 1927) Marvin Neil Simon, 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: (805) 483-5118. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Vincent Dandrews and Deborah Probe star in The Elite Theatre Company's ``I Ought to be in Pictures.'' |
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