What are the odds you'll laugh during Town Theatre's production of "The Odd Couple"?
Who can't laugh at squabbling roommates - especially if you're removed from the particular living situation?
The play's humor is found in "the contrast between the two characters and the situation they find themselves in," said Allison McNeely, the production's director.
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"They become almost a married couple," she continued. "They take on married roles. It's really charming to watch."
"The Odd Couple" originated as a 1965 Broadway play written by Neil Simon. The original production starred Walter Matthau as Oscar and Art Carney as Felix. Matthau reprised his role in a 1968 film version opposite Jack Lemmon.
The production was made into a TV series starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.
Felix and Oscar are two men who recently separated from their wives, and they like to play poker with their buddies.
But that's where the similarities end.
Felix likes to keep the apartment tidy, while Oscar is the kind of roommate who can overlook dust bunnies and dirty dishes.
McNeely directed a production of "The Odd Couple" in Lancaster 15 years ago. So what is she going to do to make the play different for theatergoers - and herself?
She's leaning on the odd couple, Scott Stepp and Lee O. Smith, who will play Oscar and Felix, respectively.
"They've developed their own take on Oscar and Felix, but they're still being true to the playwright's intention," McNeely said. "It was my job to make sure that they kept it light.
"Because we're talking about a man whose wife kicked him out, and at the beginning of show, he's thinking about suicide."
The story can be sobering, especially if you've been in a similar situation.
"These characters are very realistic, very believable," McNeely said. "I think that's where I stepped in, to keep it light."
While Oscar and Felix enjoy most of the spotlight, their poker-playing buddies - acted by Chad Forrister, Keith McAdams, Steve Reeves and Michael Traynham - are an important part of the play. So are Melinda Collins and Laurel Ulman as the Pigeon sisters.
"We all know Oscar and Felix and all the gang, but it's a nice trip down memory lane," McNeely said. "It's an evening for nostalgia. The play is set in 1965, and we've stayed true to that.
"We're hoping that people can smile at old friends."
IF YOU GO
"The Odd Couple"
WHEN: Jan. 15 through Jan. 30
PERFORMANCE TIMES: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday and Jan. 24
WHERE: Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St.
TICKETS: $11 to $16
INFORMATION: (803) 799-2510 or http://www.towntheatre.com
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