The Odd Couple's Oscar Madison and Felix Unger are two of the most recognizable characters in popular culture. Neil Simon's 1965 creation of two bachelor best friends, one who is a slob and one who is a neat freak, has found great success in all three of the big mediums; stage, screen and television. The Odd Couple has spawned sequels, revivals, hundred of thousands of dinner/community theatre productions, an African-American version, a female version and even gay version (or gayer version as some would argue). Even two Sesame Street Muppets owe their existence to The Odd Couple. In Northlight Theatre's latest mounting, the reason for the mass success of Mr. Simon's work is self evident. The writing is shear genius and stands as one of the best comedies ever written.
This production was to be built on star power casting with veteran actor George Wendt playing opposite Tim Kazurinsky, and the buzz was instant. Unfortunately, Mr. Wendt's health became compromised and had to drop out several weeks ago. The show must go on and stalwart Marc Grapey, who made his Broadway debut with Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane in the revival of The Odd Couple has stepped in as Oscar to save the day, and save it he does. This is a very sincere and grounded production which focuses itself on the human element of loneliness rather than the over the top comedy many productions fall prey to.