Theater Review: The Odd Couple

by Gina Robertson of of John Garcia's The Column

This play by Neil Simon may be the most famous American comedy ever, thanks to the original 1965 stage production, the 1968 movie, and the 1970's sitcom. Simplicity could be the secret to this show's success, for it relies on a simple formula: slapstick comedy, tart one-liners, and the inherent humor of opposites in forced proximity. It's about two newly divorced men who become roommates, and hilarity ensues when their opposing natures clash. In this production, Pete Wageman plays the slob Oscar Madison opposite Tim Elliott as Felix Unger, the lovable, uptight paragon of domestic cleanliness.

The point of the story is the way in which two ordinary guys use wisecracks and passive-aggressive behaviors to turn each other into the ultimate personification of themselves, caricatures instead of people. They turn their friendship into a bad marriage. The danger is in framing the performances in quotation marks. Oscar must be a macho slob without "trying to be" one, and Felix must not be caught "doing" neurotic anal retentive, he must actually be one. Both characters must retain their humanity for the caricature to work. The actors are able to pull it off at times, such as when Oscar's speaking to his wife on the phone and conveys how much he really does care about his children, despite his chronic lateness with the support check. Felix fusses over the poker buddies because he enjoys pleasing them, and this makes him human.

The poker buddies, on the other hand, lack the comfort & familiarity that would ease their constant bickering and snapping at each other. Rather than long-time friends who care about each other and have known each other long enough to be ugly without being misunderstood, they come across as mean-spirited and grouchy. One wonders why they bother to get together every Friday night when they enjoy it so little and find so much to complain about.

Often the Pigeon sisters provide the highlight of this play, and such is the case here. Tammy Williams and Cari Powell as Gwendolyn and Cicely Pigeon bring spontaneous flair and comedic timing that will have you giggling along with them. "Ah, look … cashews!"

For the most part, the cast has enough chemistry to bring out the most humorous aspects of this classic comedy, while the set design and costumes do justice to the 1960's period setting.

The Odd Couple, presented by McKinney Repertory Theatre, runs through March 8. Purchase tickets online.