Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Art

Lyric Center for the Arts to present Neil Simon’s 'The Odd Couple'

A man practices lines in a play with a seated woman
Contributed
/
Lyric Center for the Arts
Nick Nelson as Oscar Madison, left, rehearses with Julie Roepke for the Lyric Center's upcoming performance of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple."

The classic comedy, set in 1960s New York City, centers around uptight, neat Felix Ungar and easygoing, disheveled Oscar Madison as new roommates.

VIRGINIA — The Lyric Center for the Arts will present Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple at the Lyric Annex stage Thursday, March 16, through Sunday.

Directed by Susan Nelson, the production is the first theatrical show to be produced by the Lyric since its adaptation of A Christmas Story the Musical last December. The show features stage talent from across the Iron Range.

“We are excited to keep the buzz around our revamped community theater programming going,” said Lyric Executive Director Paul M. Gregersen. “The Odd Couple is the perfect show to do so with.”

The classic comedy, set in 1960s New York City, centers around uptight, neat Felix Ungar and easygoing, disheveled Oscar Madison as new roommates.

The production features Tucker Nelson as Unger and Nick Nelson (no relation) as Madison. The chemistry between the two leads is said to be a treat to witness.

A cast rehearses together on a set
Contributed
/
Lyric Center for the Arts
"The Odd Couple" Director Susan Nelson looks on as Nick Nelson, left; Katie Feldt; Emma Thornbloom; and Julie Roepke prepare for the production that will run March 16-19 at the Lyric Center Annex in Virginia.

The show opens as a group assembles for cards in the apartment of divorced Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder his wife left him. Late to arrive is Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed and none too tense, Unger seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Unger becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results.

Joining the duo on stage are Jase Matszak, Julie Roepke, Emma Thornbloom, Katie Feldt and Amy Peterson.

“It’s great to see Lyric theater programming continuing to grow between The Odd Couple and our youth theater education of Disney’s Moana Jr. coming in May,” Gregersen said. “There is so much acting talent found across the Range. It’s our privilege to provide opportunities for these folks to perform on stage and for audiences to enjoy the final product after months of hard work.”

Tickets for The Odd Couple are available at lyriccenteronline.org and at the door of each performance, depending on availability.

The Odd Couple is sponsored by REVIVE Virginia.

The Lyric Center for the Arts/Laurentian Arts and Culture Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation with a mission to provide artistic and educational opportunities for children and adults across the Iron Range.