Not even the prolific Neil Simon could have imagined that in over the 40 plus years since Art Carney and Walter Matthau took their curtain call as the original Felix Unger and Oscar Madison, one of the most famous comedic plays ever written would still be filling theatres and making audiences laugh at all the right places. The Odd Couple has endured a film version, several television incarnations, with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as the most recognizable duo, as well as a cartoon and female version.
With a popular subscription audience to help sustain a large crowd, Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook is currently presenting a tried and true Odd Couple. Director Greg Kolack has ensembled a very capable cast, especially Norm Boucher as Oscar who really gives his character a nice arch of development throughout the piece. Boucher brings a rarely seen balance to Oscar which the audience really took to. In the end you respect Oscar in this production because of the choices, some edgy, that Boucher embodies his character with.
Dan Rodden's Felix takes many less risks then Boucher but still manages to be a great foil for Oscar. Rodden's best scene ends up being not with Oscar but with the Pigeon sisters when he is left alone in the living room with the coo-coo lusty lovers from England. Elizabeth Ledo and Carrie Lee Shaffer as Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon are the funniest birds I have every seen in these roles (and I have seen dozens).
The only issue one can take up with the production is that there is no diversity in casting. Not even in the minor characters. It could be in using a-typical casting with the poker pals that some great new comic interactions could be honed in on.
On a side note, this past weekend was the first I ever ate dinner at the Drury Lane Theatre. I was very pleasantly surprised. This is not the food of dinner theatres of old. I had a crab stuffed red snapper that was divine and my friend had a very nicely prepared tilapia. With a great selection of wine and desserts and some of the most competent servers in or outside of the city, this is truly an enjoyable dining experience.
The Odd Couple plays through October 7, 2007 at the Drury Lane Theatre, OakBrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oak Brook, Illinois. For tickets visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com or phone (630) 530-0111.
