Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - One man is immaculate, the other a slob. It's diametrically opposed lifestyles and the inevitable clash between roommates that sets the stage for laughs in the Neil Simon comedy "The Odd Couple."

A Heartland Festival production of the play, directed by Mineral Point resident Coleman, will debut at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Center for the Arts June 24.

The play follows the exploits of down-on-his-luck neat-freak Felix Unger and the crass and untidy everyman who takes him in, Oscar Madison. After nearly 40 years since its Broadway premiere, audiences continue to love "The Odd Couple" for its quick humor and acerbic wit. Simon used comedy to bend gender stereotypes in a time when traditional male and female roles were being challenged in the prevailing culture.

"'The Odd Couple' really shows off his depth," Coleman said. "It's a very fast moving show, and very funny. He's the master of the one-liners. There's never a dull moment."

"The Odd Couple" has seen many variations over the years, and the Heartland Festival performance will remain true to the original 1965 production. Following the rave reviews that accompanied the original release, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau brought the roles of Felix and Oscar alive on the silver screen with a 1968 film.

The play was later adapted into a television series and actor Tony Randall received five Emmy nominations from 1970 to 1975 for his portrayal of Felix. The Heartland Festival production comes in the wake of Randall's death. In May the famous actor succumbed to pneumonia and died at the age of 84.

While the character of Felix may be inextricable linked to Randall, Chris Bierbrauer tackles the role for the UWP performance. A Platteville resident, Bierbrauer is no stranger to the local stage, having performed in "Kiss Me Kate," "The Music Man," "Into the Woods," "Sorry Shakespeare," "Godspell" and other productions at the Platteville Community Theater and Dubuque's Grand Opera in addition to the UWP Center for the Arts theater.

"Most people have had a roommate that they've started out as really good friends with, but it just doesn't work out," Bierbrauer said. "Felix has a good heart, and he loves his kids and loves his family, but he drives them crazy with all his neuroses. One of the things Coleman said is Felix is the original metrosexual, but a little more square I think."

Bierbrauer is happy to work with veteran Milwaukee actor Paul Helm, who takes on the role of Oscar.

"Paul's a natural. He's got great instinct on stage. As talented as he is, it's easy to feed off of that," Bierbrauer said. "It's funny. In real life, we're probably a little more like each other's characters."

Coleman is glad to have such a talented cast that can handle the depth of Simon's writing and also pull off the humor. The director keeps rehearsals loose, allowing the actors space to cull their own creative energies.

"My job is to encourage that, and let it happen. If they don't feel it, it's not going to be real," he said. "This is arguably the best cast I've ever worked with. They're just exceptionally talented."

In other roles, Doug Mackie plays the part of Vinnie, Mark Brouwer takes on the character of Murray, Matt Harker portrays Roy and Carl Wesley appears as Speed. Also featured are Heidi Tiefenthaler and Ashley Heaton as Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon, respectively.

"The Odd Couple" is set to debut June 24, and will continue with evening performances at 8 p.m. and matinee performances at 2 p.m. on selected dates through July 24. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18.

The show's humor is sure to give audiences a good time, Coleman said.

"Whatever mood you take in with you, you'll walk out of the theater in a better one."