My review of “The Odd Couple” at the Walnut Street Theatre
The whole family went to see The Odd Couple at the Walnut Street Theatre this past Saturday. Everybody came along… My sister and her husband, Meg, and Mom and Dad.In short, I thought the casting could have been a little better, but I really enjoyed the show. I have a strong memory of the TV Show (the one starring Tony Randall), but I don’t think I’ve ever seen the original movie (starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau). I guess the play is much closer in plot to the original movie… OK, it’s probably the other way around. I guess the movie was based on the stage play (also starring Lemmon and Matthau). But still, try as I might, I couldn’t get Tony Randall as Felix out of my head ! I think Tony Randall did a great job playing Felix… He somehow managed to create this middle-age neat-nick, without going too far, and making him gay. Well, in the Walnut’s version, they didn’t pull off Felix as well… He came off gay, and I don’t think they meant him too.
But, outside of that foible, I enjoyed myself. Great lines, big laughs, a good time. It’s a simple, fun play, and you needn’t understand Shakespeare to have a good time. Some people may scoff at me, but you know, sometimes when I go to the theatre, I don’t really want to be challenged…. I just want to have a good time… This is one of those play. A good time.
And it was packed !! In fact, on the way in to the lobby, Meg says to me “I just love it. All these people could be doing almost anything with their time, and they choose live theatre.” She’s right, Philadelphia has a great theatre scene, and people know it. Get out there and enjoy it !