Review by Jennifer Mustoe, Front Row Reviewers
I’m a big fan of Neil Simon‘s The Odd Couple from way back, having seen the play, the movie, and the TV show, so when I heard the wonderful Wasatch Theatre Company was bringing this comedy to Salt Lake City, I snatched the reviewing gig. And boy, am I glad I did.
To summarize the story–Oscar Madison (Robert Easton), divorced and living in an 8-room apartment in NYC allows his recently separated friend Felix Unger (Tyson Baker) to stay with him. These two fellows are Friday night gambling buddies, who, with friends Vinnie (Dennis Begendorff), Speed (Jeffrey Owen), Roy (Daniel Torrance), and Murray (Bobby Cody) talk and scarp as much as they gamble. There is the typical gambling wins and losses, but these are a tight bunch of guys and their camaraderie is heart-warming and extremely funny. Each actor has created solid characters, with some similarities, but also finely honed. Their individual stories are different, but all seem to be struggling in their marriages, though all are probably happily married. Kinda like real life, if you know what I mean. Director JC Carter has found a perfect group of actors to sit around the dinner/gambling table, obviously giving his actors lots of room to find their individual quirky characters. To me it seemed like he leaned into the mind and heart of each friend and found the golden bit in each.
Felix is missing from this night’s game and it is revealed that his wife has kicked him out. He arrives late to Oscar’s apartment and Baker’s portrayal of the horribly distraught Felix is incredible. Funny, yes, but I also felt this character’s pain. Played as both funny and genuine, Baker brings a compassionate portrayal that makes its mark.
Oscar, who has a huge heart, invites his friend to stay with him. Easton plays this with finesse and believability. He is what he is–funny, kind, something of a lurpy goof, but so convincing. Slob though he may be, and is soon revealed that he is behind on his child support checks (yes, this was in the 60’s and checks are used. Fancy that) he extends his invitation and Felix accepts. And here we go!
Easton and Baker shine as the most opposite of humans possible. Oscar is a huge slob and embraces and enjoys his sloppiness. Clad in baggy pants and a grubby t-shirt, he is the ultimate messy, unkempt, heart of gold bachelor. He misses his kids, but seems to have established himself in a comfy, slightly chaotic cocoon. Easton, with his spot on Brooklyn accent and physical comedic action is delightful to watch. Would I like to live with him? No. But he is certainly entertaining. For a while. Kudos to Easton. Honestly.
Baker is alive with his distress. His huge mannerisms, his woe is me pouting and whining could be uncomfortable. I mean, they are over the top. But Baker keeps it humorous and in check. In today’s world, one would probably call Felix OCD. His obsession with cleaning (“use your coasters, fellas”), precise cooking, his sheer fastidiousness is eye-popping incredible. But I whispered to my friend who accompanied me, “Sheesh, I’d keep him around for sure.” Great cook and compulsive cleaner? Sign me up.
Things clop along fine until Oscar invites the two English ladies who live upstairs to come for dinner. These two giggly females, Gwendolyn Pigeon (Tami Anderson) and Cecily Pigeon (Jennifer Hamilton) are so funny, flirtatious, and sympathetic. This date does not go well, no spoilers here as to why, but these two actresses flesh out their smaller roles with style and hilarity. They flirt, they giggle, they are a different and delightful pop of humor, bringing us away from the male-dominated storylines with their feminine adorable-ness.
Set design by Carter is delightfully worn in (and then spotless–Thanks Felix!), Lighting Design by Riley Merrill, Lighting Board Operator Phil Vernon, Set by Jennifer Hamilton and Jim Martin (also Sound Operator and Managing Producer) round out the production team, and all goes flawlessly. It’s a tight set, a tight show, and a smooth production.
There is probably no surprise as to how The Odd Couple ends, but it is lovely and authentic. I felt satisfied after all the howling and whining and hilarity and fierce friendship we had witnessed.
I would recommend The Odd Couple for tweens and up, especially if they will understand and enjoy the nuances of each character and how they interact. That being said, this is a wonderful night out for anyone who wants to see some solid humor wrapped around a rather realistic story.
Wasatch Theatre Company presents The Odd Couple, by Neil Simon.
Regent Street Black Cox at Eccles Theater, 144 Regent St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
February 7-15, 2025 Sunday 2:00 PM, Mon, Tues, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7:30
Tickets: $20
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Note: There is a movie version (starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon) and a TV show version (starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall) of The Odd Couple and both are available to stream. Check them out. The TV option is especially great because we see more detailed storylines that can’t be explored in a two-hour play.
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