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Peer Reviews

The Odd Couple

Reviewed by Kevin Temple

Entire contents copyright © 2008 Kevin Temple. All rights reserved.

Upon approaching the Hayswood Theatre, I was overcome with an atmosphere that led me to think of small-town theatre, and therefore anticipating small-town talent. But as I entered, I realized I was no longer on Capitol Ave. and had somehow been swept into a loft apartment twelve stories up in a high rise. As I sat at what seemed mere inches from the stage, I was reminded of the unfortunate living arrangements I had thus put myself in, as the apartment was wrecked with various beer cans, used drink glasses, empty pizza boxes and a fishbowl with water not fit for the deepest channel cat. The stage was very well laid out with all the furnishings of a true "bachelor pad."

The Odd Couple is often remembered as one of Neil Simon's more famous comedies. The story tells of the trials and tribulations that happen when two men of different upbringings inhabit the same space. Oscar Madison is comfortably settled in his habits, and is okay with the fact that he takes as much care of his home as he does with his four-weeks-behind alimony checks. Then Felix Ungar, who is quite the homemaker, finds himself becoming Oscar's roommate after his wife demands a divorce. The two go 'round and 'round in what seems at times both the best and worst parts of any relationship.

The show begins with a routine Friday-night card game, which leads to the discovery that Felix is out on the streets, trying to find his way in life after being turned out by his wife. After Felix shows up extremely late to the card game, the response of the others to the thought of his looking to harm himself leads to a series of extremely humorous actions. As a result, Oscar invites Felix to stay with him in his large eight-room apartment, and this is when the fun starts. Jeff Kitterman, as Oscar Madison, delivers a performance that could be paralleled to that of Jackie Gleason in The Honeymooners — i.e., outstanding. I am sure we are all blessed with having a friend like Felix Ungar, and Charles Swarens takes the character of Felix for a smooth ride on a roller-coaster, from the calm, cool, collected OCD-driven neatnik to the "getting of the girls." The cast in a whole was fantastic to watch, from the two crazy Pigeon sisters to the always-there-for-you friends Speed, Vinnie, Murray and Roy.

One of the very few problems was that the Pur-A-Tron was noticeably unplugged when it was supposed to be in use. Other than that little slip, Bob Trinkle should be very proud of directing such a performance. The actors and actresses won the hearts of the audience and kept them in tow from start to finish. I left the show craving a return trip and a London broil.

This small theatre puts on anything but a small performance, and Hayswood Community Theatre's rendition of The Odd Couple will surely keep you entertained and laughing from start to stop.

The Odd Couple
May 9-11 16-18, 23-25
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays at 2pm

Hayswood Theatre
115 S. Capitol Ave.
Corydon, IN 47112
www.hayswoodtheatre.com

Posted May 11, 2008