Youngstown Playhouse shows how ‘Odd Couple’ should be done

By Eric McCrea

entertainment@vindy.com

Youngstown

“The Odd Couple” is arguably Neil Simon’s most successful play. It spawned a film, several television series and other plays as well as earning Simon his first Tony Award. The pitfall of this success is how often this play is done, but the Youngstown Playhouse was able to demonstrate why (and how) it should be done.

The curtain rises on the weekly Friday night poker game, hosted by sloppy Oscar Madison, played by John Cox. The chip-mates soon realize that Felix Ungar (James McClellan) has yet to arrive, and they begin to worry. When Felix’s wife calls to tell them she’s kicked him out, their suspicions seem to be confirmed. When Felix finally arrives, the party quickly turns frenzied, and Oscar convinces his despondent friend to stay. The mismatched roommates seem doomed as Felix’s persnickety tendencies wear down Oscar’s patience.

Legendary director Joe Scarvell was able to make Simon feel new again, a feat not to be underestimated. With a cast packed to the gills with talent and reputation, the characters went deeper than the ink on the script, and the banter had an organic feel that can be difficult to accomplish with a script that has passed through a few generations.

Cox and McClellan are dynamite together. The toughest part about the premise is you kind of wonder why these guys would be friends in the first place, but this pair makes the friendship palpable, even while enraged with each other. Cox was able to give Oscar a caring side without sacrificing his frustration over the sudden changes in his home. McClellan was able to show that maybe Felix isn’t all that neurotic; he’s just having a hard time dealing with divorce.

Christopher Fidram delivered a strong performance as Roy, Oscar’s accountant. His nuance was precise and developed. He disappeared into this part.

Pecano was a delight as the slightly out-of-focus Vinnie. The quirkiest of the bunch, Pecano skillfully layered his idiosyncrasies and kept them subtle, making him very interesting to watch.

Murray the police officer tends to be the voice of reason, and Frank G. Martin was a perfect fit. He was lovable but gruff, countering Cox’s gruff but lovable. He was a convincing moral compass.

David El’Hatton was a master of delivery as Speed. He added a Rat-Pack vibe to the show with his charisma and excellent timing.

Jaqueline Stevens and Emily Pasquale were charming as sisters Gwendolyn and Cecily. Their accents got off track once in a while, but they smoothly moved from fun and flirty to sad and reflective.

Some technical cues seemed rushed, most noticeably the curtain at the opening and after intermission. Involved costume changes made scene breaks stretch, and a few sound cues felt delayed.

“The Odd Couple” runs today at 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call the Youngstown Playhouse at 330-788-8739.