Neil Simon's I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES Hits Patio Playhouse This Friday, 2/16

Patio Playhouse Community Theater is proud to present I Ought to Be in Pictures by Neil Simon. In this charming comedy, Herb, a Hollywood scriptwriter currently "at liberty," is surprised when his forgotten past reappears in the form of Libby, a teenage daughter who has trekked from Brooklyn with dreams of movie stardom. With Steffy (his sometime paramour) at his side, Herb decides to take another stab at fatherhood and -- hopefully -- this time, get it right. This hilarious piece by Neil Simon has all of the humor you'd expect when dropping a long-lost and nearly-grown daughter into her father's Hollywood home, but also addresses family dynamics head on, and touches on how, in finding where you come from, you just might find who you are meant to be.

As it sounds, the cast behind this comedy is small but mighty. In Patio's rendition, each role is played to perfection with Herb grouchily portrayed by David Pinson, an Escondido local who is known for his recurring roles in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Libby, while diminutive, packs a punch in the personality department; she is lovingly captured by vibrant Patio newcomer Kimmy Weinberger. Steffy is coaxed affably into existence by the ever-sweet Kristen Fogle, a Patio Playhouse veteran who was most recently seen onstage at Coronado Playhouse in the title role of the musical Sugar. This show is also the directorial debut of San Diego theater veteran David Guthrie, who has charmed audiences around the county in his performances from Chicago (Billy Flynn) to Les Miserables (Jean Valjean). You will, in turn, be emotionally wrenched, charmed, and delighted by this entertaining comedy.

Patio Playhouse's I Ought to Be in Pictures is proud to be partnering with Hannah's House for the duration of the production via an awareness drive. Hannah's House is a local organization celebrating 30 years of supporting Family Court families in transition, with goals of bringing stability to the lives of impacted children, and of helping both children and parents to develop strong, healthy relationships with one another. Patio is thrilled to be raising awareness in particular of Hannah's House's mobile services, which allow the organization to serve families throughout San Diego County, including in North County. Patio Playhouse is looking forward to welcoming the Hannah's House community on March 3rd for a night at the theater. For more information about Hannah's House, please visit the organization website at http://hannahs-house.org. Patio Playhouse is also a partner of the San Diego Theatre Connection, a group that fosters and supports service opportunities between arts organizations and nonprofit partners around San Diego County; the San Diego Theatre Connection can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Tickets: Performances of I Ought to Be in Pictures will begin on Friday, February 16 and continue through Sunday, March 11. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m. with afternoon performances on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. All shows will be presented at Patio Playhouse, located at 116 South Kalmia Street, Escondido (between Vinz Wine Bar and Continental Deli). Tickets for this production are available for the cost of $18 for Adults, $15 for Seniors/Military/Students, and $10 for Youth 16 and under. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For reservations, contact the Patio Playhouse box office at 760-746-6669, via email, or via the website at www.patioplayhouse.com. Directed by David Guthrie. Produced by Kelli Harless and Andrew Lukes. Produced by Special Arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

About the Company: Patio Playhouse is Escondido's only community theater. Established in 1967, the playhouse is located in the heart of Escondido near the intersection of Kalmia and Grand. Patio Playhouse presents a full season of musicals, dramas, and comedies but is also known for its unique fee-free youth theater, which produces several shows a year while introducing live theatre to children through performance/crew opportunities and school performances. Last year alone, Patio Playhouse adult and youth productions took home 10 different Aubrey Awards (awarded at an annual ceremony by the San Diego Association of Community Theatres). Patio also presents a summer season called Patio Plays in the Park, where patrons can enjoy an evening of musical theater under the stars at Kit Carson Amphitheater. This year, the theater is proud to present Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie, and In the Heights. Patio Playhouse is an independent, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. To find out more about Patio Playhouse, please visit www.patioplayhouse.com or find us on social media.

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