Director Wesley Enoch recreates the magic of this classic comedy from Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Award-winning American playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon.
'The Odd Couple' stars Jason Klarwein and Tama Matheson, as the housemates from hell, as well as the rest of the cast; Tim Dashwood, Amy Ingram, Lauren Jackson, Bryan Probets, Steven Rooke and Colin Smith.
Suddenly single after his wife kicks him out, Felix, a neurotic, neat freak journalist, turns to his only friend Oscar, a sportswriter and A grade slob. Oscar reluctantly allows him to move in because they’re the best of pals, however living together is proving to take a tole on their relationship. After only a brief time together, Oscar is ready to throw him out, but he quickly realises that Felix has had a positive effect on him. One half of the odd couple, Jason Klarwein, delves into their relationship:
'The Odd Couple' is said to be a hilarious story, what inspired you to get onboard the production?
'The Odd Couple' is a classic American play that has stood the test of time. In fact it has done so well that it has had numerous spin offs, including an all female version of the play, a film, a TV show and now a 2015 reboot of the TV show.
The original production was in 1965 and starred Walter Matthau and Art Carney. It was quickly followed up with a film starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon. And the rest is history. They went on to reprise their roles in films such as 'Grumpy Old Men' and numerous stage appearances.
What are you looking forward to most about performing at QPAC?It will just be a great night in the theatre. A full-house means performing to 800 people a night. To hear 800 people laugh in unison is one of life’s great pleasures .
How long have you been rehearsing and working on 'The Odd Couple’?
I’ve been thinking about it for a year. I start learning lines and developing character before the rehearsals. We rehearse for five weeks, then have a number of previews in which to get the balance of the comedy right, and then perform for about two and a half weeks.
Are you and Tama really an odd couple? Or do you blend quite well?
We are a little bit chalk and cheese. But we do blend quite well. We like either pontificating about art (we both share a great love of Shakespeare and classical music), or just being absolutely stupid with each other or around other people. We love to contradict each other in front of others and see who can transgress social norms the most. We’ve performed together three times now, always in duos. In Noel Coward’s 'Design For Living' as Leo and Otto, in 'Macbeth' as Banquo and Macbeth, and in 'Richard The Third' as Richard and Buckingham. I will play Oscar Maddison and Tama will play Felix Ungar.
What celebrity pals do you think make odd couples?
I think Lano and Woodley are a perfect example of an odd couple. Tim and Eric. Key and Peel. Penn and Teller. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. There are hundreds. Since the dawn of theatre, it is the chemistry of opposites that can bring great comedy or tragedy.
What three words would you use to sum up your character?
Divorced, sloppy and a ‘man'.
What was it like working with Director, Wesley Enoch?
This is Wesley’s last show as Artistic Director of the Queensland Theatre Company, so it is a great honour to do this show. Wesley and I have worked on numerous productions together not only in Queensland but around the nation. We have a great working relationship so it will be sad to see him go. He has reformed the Queensland Theatre Company and its outlook significantly over the past six years.
What can you tell us about the costume and lighting design?
The show is set in a retro renovated New York apartment that is slowing going to the dogs because my character Oscar doesn’t clean or do any maintenance. He’s too busy drinking, smoking and playing poker. The set and costume design and lighting are done by the wife and husband partnership of Christina Smith and Matt Scott. They have a huge experience and incredible talent
What's your relationship like with the rest of the cast?
Other cast members are some of my favourite actors and people. The cast includes Amy Ingram, Lauren Jackson and Brian Probets. It's going to be a lot of fun
Finally, what should people expect before they see 'The Odd Couple'? How will they feel after the experience?
Expect an amusing look at two lonely men in denial about their relationship with the world and everything in it. It's got a lot of heart and a lot of one liners this show. It’ll be a great night in the theatre.
'The Odd Couple' plays Queensland Performing Arts Centre, 17 October - 8 November.
