Hale Center Theater's production of Neil Simon's famous comedy "The Odd Couple" certainly lives up to its title - odd.
Don't misunderstand. The production is wonderful, and the cast members work beautifully with each other. But the characters are portrayed just a bit differently from the Oscar, Felix, Murray and others you may be used to.You see, the play has obviously been adjusted to fit the local lifestyle. Although the apartment looks like a fast-food waste depository, the weekly poker game at Oscar Madison's could have easily been an all-night UNO party. Instead of stacked beer cans, we see A&W root beer, 7-Up and Coke. The strong drink is Mr. Pibb. There are no cigars or cigarettes - not one ash. Instead, hand-to-mouth cravings are soothed with mints and potato chips. But what's to be expected from a cast that includes two LDS seminary teachers and a junior high principal?
Just about everything else in the production maintains the humor and familiarity of the original . . . give or take a few line changes, including a comparison between Felix Unger and famous hostess Martha Stewart.
In "The Odd Couple," Unger, a neatness freak, has just been given the heave-ho by his wife and is looking for sympathy and a place to stay - at Madison's digs, he hopes. Madison, a slob with a good heart, takes him in. The results are as hilarious as they are predictable. By Act II, Madison is ready to do bodily harm to Unger. "It's like being cooped up with Mary Pop-pins 24-hours a day," Madison laments.
Ultimately, the two find some form of middle ground where they can function. But getting there is what makes this comedy so enjoyable. Those audience members who choose to sit on the first row of this theater-in-the-round should be aware that Madison shakes his root beer cans before opening, obviously to see how far the spray will fly. He also tosses a glass of water on Unger, with the residue landing on a few spectators.
One of the biggest hands on this particular evening went to the cast and cleanup crew that straight-ened up the set between scenes. I believe most of the women in the audience clapped, and a few asked if they hire out. The transitions were smooth, and I've never seen a room get picked up so fast.
The Thursday/Saturday cast is headed by Andrew Looney as Oscar and William Bisson as Felix. Both do an excellent job playing off one another. Looney boasts a Walter Matthau-esque voice and demeanor, with a little Jackie Gleason on the side. Bisson comes across as a soft-spoken bundle of nerves, a kind of Les Nessman (minus the bow tie) of "WKRP" fame.
Supporting cast members include poker buddies Sheldon Worthington as "Speed," Ben Wake as Murray, Ron Richardson as Roy and Chad Conrad as Vinnie. Debbie Richan and Terra Allen are the giddy Pigeon sisters, Gwendolyn and Cecily (not to be confused with characters in Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Ernest").
The Monday/Friday cast includes Tim Hansen, Ben Carling, Paul Hill, Fred Dodini, Mike Wisland, Lyn Vickery, Lynda Robyns and Diane Reaveley. The show runs about two hours and 10 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.