Submitted by Harlequin Productions
As we sit here in the damp Pacific Northwest with our happy lights glowing and our beer pints overflowing, some of us dream of a sunny southern getaway. For those snow bunnies who may be stuck at home this winter, there’s a virtual escape at our very own historic State Theater in downtown Olympia.
I Ought To Be In Pictures, starring Olympia favorites Jason Haws and Ann Flannigan, will transport audiences to sunny California as bright-eyed Libby Tucker—played by relative newcomer Elex Hill—follows her dreams of Hollywood stardom and tries to reconcile with her long-lost dad. A beautiful story of love, redemption, and persistence, I Ought to be in Pictures is playing now through February 9, 2019 at Harlequin Productions in downtown Olympia.
“There’s no better place to be on a cold winter evening,” said one audience member on opening night.
As soon as you walk into the theater, you will feel that you are in a Los Angeles bungalow: lighting designed by Olivia Burlingame is reminiscent of the sun shining through the palm trees; set designed by Jeannie Beirne is complete with stucco arches and citrus trees.
“This show was fun because it’s more diverse in terms of design than you might expect,” reveals Burlingame. “It was fun to find the subtle moments for transition. It may sound cliché, but there really is a roller coaster of emotion going on, as there is in real father-daughter relationships.”
One highlight of Burlingame’s design is some emotional moments where the actors eyes glisten in the spotlight, as if in a scene from a classic black-and-white film. Those moments are a perfect nod to the setting of the play.
Talking with other crew members, their commentary about working on this show had a consistent theme: guest director Corey McDaniel is simply a joy to work with.
“Despite the stress of only having 12 rehearsal days, it was an incredibly positive experience because of Corey’s nurturing leadership,” says Stage Manager Richard Wheeler. “Everyone felt taken care of, and were were all in it together—sink or swim. And we’re going to swim!”
Another design highlight in the show is the authentic 1970s costumes designed by Jocelyne Fowler. The outfits that Ann Flannigan gets to wear as Steffy are especially a treat to look at, especially in combination with Flannigan’s self-made Fawcett-esque hair flip.
In addition to getting to wear fabulous shoes, Flannigan enjoyed getting to play such an affectionate and caring character. “She’s softer around the edges than some of the other characters people are used to seeing me play here,” she says.
Steffy is indeed an impressive character, with a balance of endearing compassion, practical intelligence, and confidence in her career. Playwright Neil Simon pairs her perfectly with the father-daughter drama that is the central plot line.
Director Corey McDaniel was the star of Harlequin’s 2018 production of I Am My Own Wife, and is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Theatre 22 in Seattle. In his Director’s Notes, McDaniel shares some of his genuine passion for sharing shows like I Ought To Be In Pictures:
“I find that the plays and stories that I’m attracted to most, especially as I get older, are plays that offer us a sense of hope and redemption. I want to tell stories that, by reflecting our lives back to us, offer us an opportunity to put a period at the end of the emotional sentences in our lives that need resolution.”
According to one audience member, this play is “perfectly cast and laugh out loud funny.” Come see for yourself: get your tickets or find out more at the Harlequin Productions website or by calling the box office at 360-786-0151.
See you at the theater!
