When local actor Rob Beeston heard St. Albert Dinner Theatre (SADT) was granted the rights to produce The Odd Couple, he was all in. For the high-energy thespian, that means wearing two hats as both director and actor.
“I love the way Neil Simon writes,” said Beeston who has gained a reputation for expertly conveying neurotic characters. “I secretly channelled Felix. He’s so uppity. He overreacts to every situation. He’s too dramatic but he’s a sweet guy."
New York playwright Neil Simon made a prolific career scripting plays about human nature and relationships. Although his comedies were considered to be on the lighter side, the playwright infused them with social relevance and autobiographical anecdotes.
In 1967 when the domestic comedy debuted on Broadway, reviewers described the main theme as marriage. Simon’s basic premise is two suddenly single guys, a sloppy sportswriter and a fastidious news writer, end up sharing an apartment due to divorces. As roommates, they strain their relationship by unconsciously repeating the same mistakes they made in their marriages.
Although SADT’s play is set in the Sixties complete with a rotary phone and typewriter, Beeston has dug through the script to distill a modern theme with serious undertones – the mental health struggles men face.
As the play starts Felix has just been booted out of his house. With nowhere to go, he drops by Oscar’s apartment where a five-man poker game is in play. On a similar footing and very single, Oscar has been divorced for six months.
“Felix is kicked out of the house and feels suicidal. Suicide is not funny. But because of how Felix and Oscar respond, it’s funny. Both their worlds have collapsed, but they respond in different ways. Both are very fragile. Felix wears his heart on his sleeve. Oscar hides his feelings.”
The playwright, who focuses on middle class, urban settings has engendered a universal appeal because his characters touch on basic human problems.
“It’s heavy stuff. But one of the things I like about Simon and one of his great strengths is how he brings out people’s humanity in roles. These aren’t just caricatures. They are real people, and there is an honest transition from caricature to character.”
Playing opposite Beeston is Kristopher Loranger as Oscar. Coming into the role with experience, he performed in Walterdale Theatre’s production of The Odd Couple. Oscar’s poker buddies include Roy (Tim Kubasek), Murray (Kelly Krause), Speed (Jack Morrison) and Vinnie (Richard Wiens). Carolyn McGratton as Gwendolyn and Kristy Baron as Cecily are two sisters invited to a disastrous dinner party.
“As a group we have the enthusiasm nailed. This play is taking things to a higher bar. This is a big undertaking and we’re up to the task.
The Odd Couple runs April 13 to 15, 20 to 22 and 27 to 29 at Kinsmen Banquet Hall, 47 Riel Drive. Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $65 and are available at www.stalberttheatre.com or at 780-222-0202.
