American playwright Neil Simon’s THE ODD COUPLE premiered on Broadway on the 10th March 1965 and ran for some 966 performances.
Neil Simon based the character of Felix on his older brother, Danny Simon, showing that a real person can sometimes be stranger than fiction.
The scenario sees the irresponsible lifestyle of “divorced, slovenly but casual”, sports-writer Oscar Madison take in “newly separated” television news-writer Felix Ungar. Felix is continually depressed and intrusively obsessed with his ex. The real problem that causes the most tension is Felix’s over-the-top obsessive compulsive disorder, as he is so driven to constantly keep Oscar’s eight room apartment so clean, with constant house-keeping that makes it look like no-one lives there.
Opposites sharing the same living space, creates situation comedy gold, with some of the best ever one-liners, especially when mad at each other. These two insufferable men repeat the many mistakes they made during their marriages, and there are those certain moments, when you will be reduced to tears of laughter.
The cast of eight actors delivers comedy brilliance, in this triumph of scripting, and every role has been well cast by director Mark Power.
In the lead roles, Craig Walker plays Oscar Madison and Caib James plays Felix Unger.
Stand outs in the supporting cast are Kendall Goddard and Jessica Whitford, as Gwendolyn and Cecily Pigeon – the squeaky voiced coo coo Pigeon sisters. It is worth noting that Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy The Importance Of Being Earnest has two female characters called Cecily and Gwendolyn.
In the real world Oscar would have murdered persnickety Felix, but this play presents comedy at its best, with perfect comedy timing from all. And the very well-worn “F.U.” joke, still gets plenty of audience laughter.
This was a good night at the theatre, entertaining, a good cast and a very appreciative audience.
A co Providential production and Emu production presentation, THE ODD COUPLE is playing the King Street Theatre, first floor, 644 King Street corner Bray street, Newtown until the 1st August. Performance times are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm.
http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=129384
http://www.kingstreettheatre.com.au/the-odd-couple/
http://www.providential.net.au/