Beef & Boards launches its 2015 season with the buddy comedy The Odd Couple. It’s the story of two men, unmoored from their marriages, who find themselves as unlikely roommates. One is the fastidious Felix, a worry wart with an anxious disposition and a deep desire to clean. The other, Oscar, is a slob, with no motivation to tidy his home. The Neil Simon comedy is celebrating its 50 year anniversary, which is a tribute to just how timeless this story is.
The production is a perfect showcase for two of Beef
& Boards’ favorite performers, Eddie Curry (Felix) and Jeff Stockberger
(Oscar). It’s at its best during a silent scene where the two men circle each
other after a big fight. They do everything they can to provoke a response, all
without words. Both men excel at physical comedy and the bit works well.
The set gives the show a farcical feel, which fits in well as Beef & Boards traditional season opener usually falls into that category. Doorbells or phones are constantly ringing and cast members come and go through in a blur. There were a few moments where cast member stumbled over their tongue twister lines, losing the flow for a second, but those first night clips are usually ironed out quickly.
The Odd Couple’s sitcom feel makes for an entertaining performance. This one is a great fit for a date night play because guys and girls alike can identify with living with a polar opposite personality.
Performances: The show runs until Feb. 8. Doors open for evening performances at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The buffet is served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For Wednesday matinees doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet is served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show begins at 1 p.m. For Sunday matinees doors open at 12 p.m. and the buffet is served from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $40 to $65 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea and the buffet.
Photos courtesy of Beef & Boards
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