Little Theatre to hold auditions for ‘The Odd Couple’

Auditions for Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County’s spring production of “The Odd Couple” will be held Sunday and Monday, March 1-2, at 6:30 p.m. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

Rehearsals will begin the week of March 9. Performances are scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, April 24-26 and May 1-10.

Artistic Director Kathy Bergstrom has directed five shows at the theater and has appeared on stage in more than 15 productions. She has received OCTA awards for design and costuming. Outside the theater, she owns a graphic design and printing business and a publishing company where she manages several local authors.

“One of the things that drew me to this show is the fact that it is a comedy that everyone can relate to,” Bergstrom said. “The concept of opposites colliding and trying to coexist always creates humorous situations on stage and in real life. Also, it has a small cast of eight people. I enjoy smaller-cast shows because it often grants you the opportunity to delve deeper into the show to really help the actors put some depth into their characters.”

“The Odd Couple” is a comedy about two recently divorced men who discover they are completely incompatible as roommates. Felix Ungar, a neurotic and obsessively neat news writer, moves in with his longtime friend Oscar Madison, a carefree, slovenly sportswriter, after his marriage falls apart. At first, the arrangement seems practical, but their sharply contrasting personalities quickly create tension.

Felix’s constant cleaning, cooking and worrying clash with Oscar’s messy, laid-back lifestyle, leading to a series of humorous arguments and awkward situations, including a disastrous double date with two sisters from their apartment building. As the play progresses, both men recognize that living together is more challenging than they imagined.

The cast includes six men and two women. There are no specific age requirements.

Characters

Felix Ungar: A recently separated news writer who is intelligent, sensitive and painfully meticulous. He is obsessively neat, cooking gourmet meals and worrying constantly about health, manners and order. Emotionally fragile after the collapse of his marriage, Felix is prone to tears and dramatic overreactions.

Oscar Madison: A sportswriter and the complete opposite of Felix. Sloppy, carefree and easygoing, he thrives in clutter and avoids responsibility whenever possible. Beneath his sarcastic humor, Oscar values friendship deeply.

Murray: A police officer and one of Oscar’s poker buddies. Practical and good-natured, he often acts as a peacemaker.

Speed: Loud, impatient and blunt. He is easily irritated, especially when Felix’s fussiness disrupts poker night.

Vinnie: Mild-mannered and somewhat quiet, often serving as a neutral observer during arguments.

Roy: Another poker-playing friend who is relaxed and tolerant.

Gwendolyn Pigeon: One of the British sisters who live upstairs. She is polite, sweet and slightly reserved.

Cecily Pigeon: Gwendolyn’s sister, refined and kind, but more expressive. The sisters’ accents and charm contribute to one of the play’s most humorous scenes.

For more information, contact Bergstrom at blairgdp@gmail.com.