Theater buffs knew him as a master of comedy. Those of us in the “senior” side of life most likely read his plays in high school.
Neil Simon, an artistically prolific and multi-award-winning playwright, recently passed away at the age of 91.
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One of his most beloved plays, “The Odd Couple,” will be presented by Parker Playhouse, 117 E. Northwest Highway, Barrington, at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 through Sept. 22.
Ann Field, an attorney who is the acting co-president and board secretary of Parker Playhouse and an improvisational comedian with Queen Bees, is directing the production.
She is joined by Casting Director Josie Croll, who also shares the role of Gwendolyn Pigeon in the upcoming production, which includes Ray Harris, lighting and sound manager; Christina Fanucch, hair and makeup artist; Charles “Chip” Mahlman, set designer who also will play the character Speed.
They have been rehearsing once a week or more since May with their cast. I asked Ann a number of questions about the timing of the production and her thoughts on live theater.
When was “The Odd Couple” first selected? Ann explained how the idea started a few years ago with Nancie Tobison, a board member who co-founded Parker Playhouse with Ellen Werksman, and local actor David Good.
“When I came on the board it was already a vision. David (who plays Felix Ungar with Jeff Tolle as Oscar Madison) had been in the play twice in the past, and that inspired Parker Playhouse to make it happen. … We were happy to be able to secure the rights from Samuel French Inc., as Neil Simon’s people are very particular about which theaters are producing their plays,” Ann said. “Parker Playhouse is truly a community theater, which seems to have gone by the wayside.”
How did the cast feel when they learned of Neil Simon’s passing?
“Very upset,” Ann said. “It was a really sad day for the whole cast. At the same time, we felt very honored and privileged to be producing one of his plays. So, in a way, it was very special and heartwarming.”
Additional cast members for the upcoming production include Kevin Rowe playing the role of Murray; Gregg Werner playing Roy; Andy Richmond playing Vinnie; Angela Wilcox playing Cecily Pigeon; and Serene Hebert, who also is playing Gwendolyn Pigeon.
The Playbill for the production was created by Ella Field, who also worked with props, set and production assistants Linda Conway, Olivia Field, Dan Thake, Judy Tolle and Marsha Werner.
Why is live theater important? According to Ann, the reason is because “it’s real.”
“And it allows anyone in that theater to have a very special experience,” she said. “It’s about connections between the cast and audience members. … It brings families and friends out again. … It can be much more powerful than sitting in front of any screen at any time.”
Viva il Teatro!
Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.