Hapgood shines with hilarious 'Odd Couple'

By Judith Prieve
Contra Costa Times

Neil Simon's oft-produced comedy "The Odd Couple" might seem like old hat, but Hapgood Theatre Company's new version of the beloved show fits more like a comfy, well-worn pair of fuzzy slippers.

We may have heard it all before — even if it's been awhile — but in the able hands of guest director Jack Stauffer, we remember just why this comedy was such a smashing hit. Take two horribly mismatched males — a neurotic neatnik and a wisecracking slob, add some hilarious sidekicks, some delicious dialogue and a wallop of physical comedy, and you have the stuff of dreams. It's just what the doctor — and artistic director Josy Miller — ordered to stir up the slovenly and get them back into the theater's seats.

Stauffer toyed with the idea of putting his own twist on this classic comedy, but in the end, he didn't change a thing, and it plays out beautifully despite its age. The cast is a great fit and it all just feels right.

The show, based on Simon's experiences with his brother, Danny, when they were both show-business novices, inspired a major movie and highly successful long-running television show. And, though it remains to be seen if Hapgood Theatre Company can inspire potential audiences to awaken from their stupor (or TV or video games), this season opener certainly hit pay dirt with last Saturday's crowd.

Particularly strong is Allen Pontes as the wisecracking sports writer Oscar Madison whose eight-room bachelor pad is an utter mess before his clean-freak friend Felix Unger moves in after his wife gives him the boot. Sporting a backward baseball cap and with large expressive eyes, Pontes is particularly funny as he grows more belligerent toward his obsessive-compulsive roommate who ignites his fury after he ruins his date with some English girls. Feeling stifled and at his breaking point, he couldn't care less if Felix's carefully prepared meal is fettuccine or spaghetti — it ends up on the kitchen wall — and you know just what he's like to do with his crustless pumpernickel toast BLT sandwiches.

Michael Barrett Austin is a hoot as the neurotic nut Felix, the kind of guy whom you feel sorry for but also want to slap up silly. The two "roommates" have good chemistry. Austin looks the part of a prim, fastidious Felix, the kind of guy who drinks nothing stronger than Pepto-Bismol on New Year's Eve and can't rest a nanosecond if his apartment isn't spic and span. Austin has much of the physical humor here, snorting like a pained animal when his character has a sinus attack, and crouching in a chair with his neck bent into his shoulder when he pulls a muscle. He cuts a hysterical figure with his contorted neck and frenzied face, and is over the top with his somber behavior after he burns his precious London Broil when — aghast— the British dates arrive late for dinner.

Others poker buddies contributing to the hysterics include John Hale as the gentle giant cop Murray, Michael Sally as accountant Roy, Brian O'Conner as mild-mannered but nervousVinnie and Robert Richardson as the impatient compulsive gambler Speed.

Rounding out the cast are the hysterical Sheila Devitt and Julie Anchor as the coo-coo Pigeon sisters, the bubbly British women Oscar invites over for dinner. Anchor, in her poofy colorful frock, is wonderful as the mother hen-like sister, while Devitt is equally delightful as the uninhibited 30-ish single woman looking for a little fun. The giggly sisters are soon transformed into sobbing siblings, however, when left alone with the newly single and hopelessly depressed Felix, forcing Oscar to scramble to try to save the evening.

The shenanigans all take place against a backdrop of a detailed 1960s Manhattan apartment crafted with flair by scenic and lighting designer Jason Miller.

It might all be familiar, but with such a solid ensemble, attractive set and such enormously funny material, you can't go wrong with this "Odd Couple."