Neil Simon Play Opens Nov. 8

Cutline: Libby, played by Flynn Green, shares her plans to make it big as an actress to Steffy, played by Liberty Richards. The scene is from the Walters State Community College production of Neil Simon's "I Ought to Be in Pictures."

"I Ought to Be in Pictures" Opens Nov. 8, High School Night Nov. 7

          The Walters State Department of Music and Theatre puts a spotlight on the late Neil Simon with the production of “I Ought to Be in Pictures” Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 15-17.  Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m.
          Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. All performances will be held in the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex on the Morristown Campus. 
          The final dress rehearsal on Nov. 7 will be a special high school night with high school students admitted free.
          Over 30 Neil Simon plays made it to Broadway. He is best known for comedies like “The Odd Couple” and “Barefoot in the Park.” “I Ought to Be in Pictures” marked a different direction for the playwright.
          “This play marked the first time Neil Simon experimented with combining drama and comedy,” said Jack Truman, director of the play and head of Walters State’s theatre program. “His focus had been on comedy, and he had been very successful. This play led to his future works like ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ and ‘Lost in Yonkers.’” 
          “This play has a story that needs to be told. Even though this play was written over 40 years ago, the issues are more relevant than ever,” Truman said.
          The play follows Libby, a teen raised by her mom on the East Coast. After high school graduation, she takes a bus to Los Angeles hoping her estranged father, who happens to be screenwriter, will help make her a star.
          “This young cast wasn’t familiar with Neil Simon. Introducing them to one of the great American playwrights was a great experience. Both the primary actors and their understudies have worked hard throughout the semester. I am very proud,” Truman said.
          Flynn Green of Sevierville has been cast in the lead role of Libby. Michael Bumgarner of Bulls Gap plays her father, Herb. Liberty Richards of New Market plays Steffy, Herb’s girlfriend.
          Kaitlyn Marino of Jonesborough is the understudy for Libby. Brayden Morgan of New Market is the understudy for Herb and Ashlyn Claxton of Jefferson City is the understudy for Steffy. 
          While understudies usually perform only in the absence of the primary actors, Truman has decided that Sunday matinees will feature Marino, Morgan and Claxton. 
          “We have a great cast. Having different performers on Sunday makes a difference. It’s almost like having two great shows,” Truman said. 
          Reservations may be made by calling the Division of Humanities at 423-585-6922 or by emailing  Gayle Nelson at Gayle.NelsenFREEWS. Tickets will also be available at the box office, which opens an hour before showtimes.