Heartland Festival's play 'The Odd Couple'
Professional and local actors alike deftly combine equal parts of humor and drama in the Heartland Festival performance of "The Odd Couple" at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
A Neil Simon play, "The Odd Couple" tells the story of friends-turned-roommates Felix Unger and Oscar Madison, suddenly single men who deal with divorce and depression in a changing culture. The play debuted at the UWP Center for the Arts Theater June 24.
"I thought the acting was excellent, and they did a good job with the casting," said Don Rosenbrook, Platteville, who attended the show with his wife Janet. "I thought Felix was outstanding. It was all very professional, and we certainly enjoyed it."
Playing the part of Felix, the up-tight, keen-to-clean divorce, is Platteville resident Chris Bierbrauer. In the role of his rude and crude roommate Oscar is Milwaukee actor Paul Helm.
Katherine Zaimes, Platteville, took in the opening-night performance, the first Heartland Festival show she has attended.
"I've seen many other Broadway performances, and this was a really well-done performance," Zaimes said. "The actors were enthusiastic."
"The acting was excellent," added John Patakos, Platteville. "They were into it; they really meant it."
Area residents Doug Mackie and Matthew Harker appeared in key roles as Vinnie and Roy, respectively. Ashley Heaston and Heidi Tiefenthaler took funny turns as the very-single Pigeon sisters, and Indiana-based actor Mark Brouwer brought authenticity to the role of simple-minded but genuinely concerned poker buddy Murray.
Remaining true to the original 1965 Broadway production, the Heartland Festival play features costumes and set pieces from the era. While "The Odd Couple" put some audience members back in that decade, it reminded others of the 70s. "The Odd Couple" television series, starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman in lead roles, ran from 1970-75.
"It took us back to TV viewing from years past," said Bernard Keller, Stitzer. "Good humor. It was so much fun to take in."
Others may remember a 1968 film version of "The Odd Couple," which starred Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. While the younger generation may not know the popular television series or film, they may still be able to appreciate the Heartland Festival show. Patakos found his three children, ages 8-10, laughing throughout.
"When you can get three kids laughing, it feels nice," he said.
"The Odd Couple" continues 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 university box office can be reached at (608) 342-1298.
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