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Felix & Oscar Ride Again
Written By: Ronnie Spilton | Issue: 2018/08 - August
Neil Simon is the most prolific and performed modern playwright in the world.
During the 60s, he wrote some of his most famous plays. Broadway hits “Come Blow Your Horn” (1961) and “Barefoot in the Park” (1963) heralded his career as a playwright. Tony Award winners include “Plaza Suite” (1968) and “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” (1969).
In 1983, Neil Simon became the first living playwright to have a Broadway theater named in his honor. His autobiographical trilogy, concluding with the 1991 play “Lost in Yonkers,” garnered him both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize. Simon has written over 30 plays and nearly the same number of movie screenplays, mostly adaptations of his plays. Simon’s received a special Tony Award for his contributions to the American theater and he’s a Kennedy Center Honoree.
The Highlands Cashiers Players opens its 24th season by celebrating Neil Simon’s Golden Years with “The Odd Couple,” one of his most famous comedies. Premiering on Broadway 53 years ago and running for close to 1,000 performances, “The Odd Couple” concerns two mismatched roommates: the neat, uptight, newly-separated Felix Ungar and the slovenly, easygoing, divorced Oscar Madison. Directed by Mike Nichols, the original cast starred Walter Matthau as Oscar and Art Carney as Felix. The production gained Tony Awards for Matthau (Best Actor), Simon (Best Author), Nichols (Best Direction), and received a Best Play nomination. Following its Broadway run, Simon successfully revived the characters in a 1968 film and 1970s television series. In addition, Simon adapted the characters for numerous other works and spin-offs.
Directed by HCP veteran Tanji Marshall, assisted by Courtney Scarborough and Sue Feldcamp, “The Odd Couple” stars area favorites David Spivey as Oscar and Lance Trudel as Felix. Supporting players include Ricky Siegel, Michael Lanzilotta, Craig Eister, Joe Lazow, Betsy Miller, and Dr. Ronnie Spilton. Although Simon’s comedy is timeless, director Marshall’s vision is that the show’s setting and design reflect Simon’s original intent – New York City, 1965.
Performances are held Thursday through Sunday, August 23 through 26; and Thursday through Sunday, August 30 through September 2.
Evening shows start at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday Matinees start at 2:30 P.M.
Shows are held at the Highlands Performing Arts Center at 507 Chestnut Street.
For tickets and more information, either visit highlandscashiersplayers.org or call (828) 526-8084.
