While she knew of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” Frances Fields wasn’t familiar with its quirky characters and story focusing on the importance of friendship until she started directing it.
“I knew of the show. I’d seen it once or twice, but I hadn’t really read it,” she said. “I’ve really grown to love it.”
Edgefield’s Main Street Players will bring the production to the stage for two weekends beginning June 6.
Garrett Maroney plays the neurotic, fastidious Felix while Bradley Watts plays the sloppy Oscar. The two with their opposite personalities become roommates after Felix gets divorced. Over the course of the show, the two adapt to each other and take on some of the other’s positive traits.
The role of Oscar is a favorite of Watts, who has played the role before.
“My dream roles to play were Oscar and Mama in ‘Hairspray,’ and I’ve done both,” said Watts, who feels he’s a lot like the character of Oscar.
The Neil Simon work first appeared on Broadway in 1965, was translated to film in 1968 and became a TV series in the 1970s. It’s been adapted other times with a female version first staged in 1985.
Although it’s set during the 60s, Field said Simon’s mastery of humor and the subject of friendship helps to keep the show timeless.
“I keep telling them the show is going to last three hours because people are going to laugh so much,” she said.
Watts said he has a hard time keeping a straight face playing opposite Maroney.
“He really brings Felix to life,” he said.
“The Odd Couple” will be 7:30 p.m. June 6-7, 12-13 and at 3 p.m. June 8 and 15 at The Discovery Center, 405 Main St., Edgefield. “The Odd Couple” rounds out the theater group’s 2024-2025 season, its first full season since COVID.
Watts, who is the company’s artistic director, said it was a successful one with several sold-out shows and even added dates for one production. One key to this season’s success was the addition of an online ticketing service, he said.
He anticipates the announcement of next season’s lineup within the next few weeks.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association winner and the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
