What happens when Felix Ungar, a neurotic, neat-freak news writer is thrown out by his wife, and moves in to share an apartment with his recently divorced friend Oscar Madison?
The answer is a laugh-a- minute in the MADC’s production of Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple, with Chris Dingli and Malcolm Galea in the leading roles.
Director Wesley Ellul says he chose this play as he believes it can reflect on the local ‘phenomena’ caused by the recent changes in our laws, allowing divorce, and other more recent social changes. Wesley considers Neil Simon’s clever lines and insight into human nature to be still fresh, heart-warming and fun today.
Felix and Oscar are the best of friends, but can’t stand each other’s lifestyles. Oscar is a good-natured slob, but his problems include careless spending, excessive gambling and a poorly-kept house filled with spoiled food – but he seems to enjoy life, or so he thinks!
Felix, on the other hand, seems utterly incapable of enjoying anything, and only finds purpose in pointing out his own and other people’s mistakes and foibles. Even when he tries to do so in a gentle and constructive way, his corrections and suggestions prove extremely annoying to those around him. The two men, both rejected by their wives, cannot live together… but can they live apart?
This story of two roommates develops from an opening poker game with friends, to an attempt by two sisters to help Felix ‘recover’ from his recent separation trauma. The cast also includes Colin Fitz, Joe Depasquale, Edward Caruana Galizia, Daniel Walters and Maxine Aquilina.
The Odd Couple runs on Friday, Saturday and next Sunday at the Salesian Theatre, Sliema and on February 26, 27 and 28 at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta. Tickets are available online.
www.madc.com.mt;
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt