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Rome, Loboy deliver must-see ‘Odd Couple’
By Stephanie ottey
Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” has been host to some remarkably famous male acting teams. Walter Matthau and Art Carney headlined the play when it opened on Broadway in 1965, Matthau teamed up with Jack Lemmon in a highly successful film adaptation three years later, and Tony Randall and Jack Klugman immortalized the characters of Felix and Oscar in ABC’s hit sitcom of the 1970s.
Now, the Victorian Players is keeping that tradition alive with a few stars of its own. Len Rome and Jim Loboy of WYTV’s “Daybreak” are headlining “The Odd Couple” through September, and their performances shouldn’t be missed.
On opening night, the local celebrities were greeted with instantaneous applause as each arrived on stage. Though the cheering preceded any actual display of talents, both actors quickly proved it is well deserved.
Naturally, fans of “Daybreak” will enjoy this show, but even critical theater-goers will appreciate what Rome and Loboy bring to the stage.
Loboy is hilariously natural in the role of laid-back, slovenly, Oscar Madison. With a smooth but high energy, Loboy delivers a very real character. Comedic traits reminiscent of Adam Sandler make his performance feel fresh and relevant to contemporary theater — even in a script that is 50 years old. Hopefully, we’ll see more from him in future productions.
Rome offers an equally sincere character in worrisome neat-freak Felix Unger. Rome thoughtfully creates a delicate Felix who is strangely charming in his self-deprecation and misery. His Felix is overwhelmingly likeable, and Rome has the audience rooting for him wholeheartedly.
Most impressively but not surprisingly, Loboy and Rome share a connection on stage that rarely is achieved. Surely their daily interaction keeps them close on a personal level, but that they are able to maintain such a strong, real friendship on stage is refreshing. Their teamwork is a large part of what makes the show a success.
The supporting cast also contributes to the success of the show. Glenn Stevens is attention-grabbing as Murray, while Sam Luptak Jr., Chris Chaibi and C. Richard Haldi create a friendly poker-playing ensemble. Denise Sculli and Regina Olszewski Reynolds bring a burst of feminine energy to act two and shake things up with vigor.
Under the direction of Marlene Menaldi Strollo, this classic tale of opposing roommates is a highly entertaining show. Audiences will watch earnestly as Oscar and Felix learn to live with and without each other because Strollo captures the multiple facets of Neil Simon’s writing — the comedy, the realness and the tenderness as well.
Ignoring some technical imperfections, this show rivals the best of last year’s award-winning season and is a fantastic start to the Victorian Players’ 21st season.
“The Odd Couple” runs through Sept. 27. The Victorian Players Theater is at 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 330-746-5455 or visit victorianplayers.org.