Little Theatre to present ‘The Odd Couple’

Oscar is a slob, while Felix is obsessively neat, leading to a series of comic situations

Theater cast posing in a living room set.
Seated, from left, Amy Vance, Dave Osso, Michael Antonelli and Morgan Marshall; standing, Chester Boffo, Jeff Williams, Aaryn Stockon and Jason Kukwa.

The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County will open its spring production of “The Odd Couple” Friday, April 24, with performances continuing for three weekends through Sunday, May 10.

Directed by Kathy Bergstrom, the classic Neil Simon comedy first appeared on stage in 1965 and follows two mismatched friends, Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar, whose divorces leave them sharing Oscar’s apartment. Oscar is a slob, while Felix is obsessively neat, leading to a series of comic situations. The show later was adapted into a successful film and television series.

This production is set in 1969. Bergstrom said she hopes audience members familiar with the characters will feel a sense of nostalgia, while those new to the story will find themselves relating to the pair and laughing along with them.

The cast includes Dave Osso as Oscar Madison, Michael Antonelli as Felix Ungar, Jeff Williams as Murray, Chester Boffo as Vinnie, Aaryn Stockon as Speed, Jason Kukwa as Roy, Amy Vance as Gwendolyn Pigeon and Morgan Marshall as Cecily Pigeon.

Production staff members are Shavonne McMillan, assistant director; Sheila Samson-Witt, stage manager; Kathy Cummings, Steph Freitag, Carrie Jackson and Chris Witt, stage crew; Chester Boffo, set design and construction; Jane Deitrick and Michele Davis, set dressing; Peggy Sibila, scenic painting; Kathy Bergstrom, costumes; Joe Compton, lighting design; Chelsea Rhodes, lighting operator; and Debi DeVore, hair and wigs.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets may be purchased at the Kent State University Performing Arts Center, at TheLittleTheatreOnline.org or at the door.

The show is sponsored by The Dondelinger, Parker and Hoone Bowling Shoe Co. and Carol Harman. Season sponsors are Dover Eagles 515, Roger and Mary Spies and Park Village Health Care Center.