NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS
By John Posada

originally published: 08/31/2022 

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre is presenting I Ought To Be In Pictures over three weekends in September from September 9-24.  The play by Neil Simon tells the story of Herb Tucker, a man who, sixteen years earlier walked out on his wife and children in New York to pursue a career as a screenwriter in Hollywood. Photographer John Posada was on hand during a rehearsal to take photos.

One day Herb's now nineteen-year old daughter, Libby, shows up at his door. Wanting to get into the movies as an actress, Libby expects Herb to help her as recompense for the years of neglect. A product of Neil Simon’s mature period, I Ought To Be In Pictures combines comedy, drama and moments of genuine tenderness.

The cast includes Melody Appel (Libby Tucker); Jonathan Rudolph (Herb Tucker); and Rachelle Renagel (Steffie Blondell).  The production is directed by Alex Oleksij.

Performances take place  September 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 at 8:00pm; September 11, 18, & 24 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online.

I Ought To Be In Pictures credits include Stage Manager: Janis Wolfe; Set, Lighting & Sound Design: Alex Oleksij; Set Decoration: Janis Wolfe, Linda Ribaudo & Rachelle Renagel; Wall Mural & Publicity Art: Steve Crooks.

 

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Here are additional photos from the production.

Nutley Little Theatre is located at 47 Erie Place in Nutley, New Jersey. The company's history reaches back to the early thirties when a group of men, connected with the Grace Episcopal Church, organized an amateur theatrical group called the Parish Players. Two of the members decided to expand their idea to a town-wide theatre group, so in 1934, Nutley Little Theatre began its career.

Their present “home,” The Barn on Erie Place, a former jam factory, was available for rental and members decided it was necessary to have a place to construct and store sets. Nutley Little Theatre rented the barn from 1935 to 1938 and officially purchased it in 1938. In January 1935, the members decided to utilize the stage area on the second floor, and held “workshop” meetings, which included the presentation of one-act plays and staging techniques. In order to inform members of activities, a theatre newsletter was created. The Prompter is still used today to inform our membership of these same types of activities.

1943 brought two significant events. The Barn became the sole property of Nutley Little Theatre and the policy was changed to open auditions from members only to anyone interested. This policy still continues today and has afforded Nutley Little Theatre a wide range of talents, both on and off the stage.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.