Theater Breaking Through Barriers will present what is being billed as the Off-Broadway premiere of Neil Simon's I Ought to Be in Pictures April 20-May 25 at Theatre Row. Opening night is set for May 2.
The cast will feature Makenzie Morgan Gomez (SkippyJon Jones; Snow What?) as Libby, Pamela Sabaugh (Brecht on Brecht) as Steffy, and Chris Thorn (Death of a Salesman) as Herb. TBTB Artistic Director Nicholas Viselli will direct.
I Ought To Be In Pictures follows Herb Tucker, a struggling, middle-aged screenwriter with writer's block. Tucker receives an unexpected surprise when his daughter, Libby, part of the family he abandoned 16 years prior, arrives at his West Hollywood home.
“Comedy has the glorious power to transcend barriers, and bring us closer together—and nowhere is this more evident than in Neil Simon's timeless, and often overlooked masterwork, I Ought To Be In Pictures," Viselli said in a statement. "Theater Breaking Through Barriers is deeply honored to be partnering with the Neil Simon Estate to revive this 1980 Tony Award-winning gem, the first NYC revival of this play since that time, and one of Mr. Simon’s personal favorites! During a time rife with division, we believe audiences need a reason to come together, laugh, and celebrate life once again, and we are happy to be here to provide just that."
The creative team includes set and lighting designer Bert Scott, sound designer Eric Nightengale, projection designers Samuel Biondolillo and Bert Scott, costume designer Olivia Magaraci, props designer Paul Birtwistle, production managers Eric Nightengale and Noah Glaister, stage manager Christine Catti, and assistant stage manager Julianne Menassian. Casting is by Andrea Zee of Zee Casting, and Steve Asher serves as general manager.
I Ought to Be in Pictures played Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre March 1980-January 1981. Dinah Manoff won the 1980 Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
TBTB is dedicated to advancing and celebrating the work of professional artists with disabilities. Founded in 1979 by Ike Schambelan as Theater By the Blind, TBTB expanded its mission in 2008 to include artists of all disabilities.
Visit TBTB.org for tickets.
