'Pictures' features strong performances

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Apr 14, 2009 | by Erica Hansen Deseret News

I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES," Utah Theatre Artists Company, through April 25, Disabled American Veterans Center, 273 E. 800 South (801- 842-7483); running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)

There are 80 some-odd theater companies in Utah. With so many trying to get a slice of the theater-pie, the turnover rate can be high.

Utah Theatre Artists Company is one of those new groups, established in 2008.

"Committed to producing quality theater, with an emphasis on 20th century American dramas and comedies that are rarely seen locally," according to its Web site, UTAC is in its third production -- the first in which all of the actors are paid, a move to be considered "semi-professional."

I was taken aback when I saw the play was running at the Disabled American Veterans Center, and equally perplexed when I was told to "walk across the set" to find my seat -- an unusual venue indeed.

With black drapes stapled together and hung to create a backdrop (except for the doorway, which was navy blue), I couldn't help but feel like I was back at my elementary school getting ready to watch a student production.

As the show began, the fluorescent lights were turned off, in what I presume is the center's rec room, and three free-standing "stage lights" were turned on, casting a rather dim glow on the performing space.

In a smart move, the company's creator and director Lane Richins, chose the Neil Simon play "I Ought to be in Pictures."

This is the story about a young woman whose dad abandoned the family when she was three. At 19, she heads out to Los Angeles to find him, in the hopes he'll be able to put her "in pictures" since he's a Hollywood screenwriter.

But in his lonely, slightly depressed and unemployed state, that's not very likely.

Neil Simon's material usually works, and, if you can get around the circumstances, Richins' cast does a more than adequate job.

Kelsie Jepsen is immensely likable as the quirky daughter, Libby. With her New York accent, she easily handles the comedy and really shines in the more vulnerable scenes.

The father, Herb, is played by Jeffrey Owen, who has an intensity that really lends itself to some scenes, but in others I found myself wondering why he's so angry and mean.

To be fair, Simon has written a character that, frankly, just isn't very likable. But Owen connects well with his two co-stars, and the interactions were enjoyable to watch.

Tamara Johnson-Howell plays Steffy, Herb's when-its-convenient girlfriend. Her sweet, matter-of-fact advice and genuine concern for Libby is very nicely done.

What a shame, really, that a show with such nice performances doesn't have a decent venue.

It's hard to take the work seriously when you're surrounded by decor and other things belonging to the Veterans' Center and you can hear the traffic on 800 South -- it's distracting.

That being said, I do hope UTAC is able to find the necessary funding and support to continue presenting fine talent and, hopefully, to find a stage on which to put them.

E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com