The Elkader Opera House Players return with a timeless classic in ‘The Odd Couple’
Cary Kann (left) as Oscar Madison and David Beck as Felix Unger will star in the Elkader Opera House Players’ production of “The Odd Couple.” The play will show April 1-3 and 8-10.
“The Odd Couple” cast includes newcomer Sonney Wilson as Gwendolyn Pigeon, as well as stage veterans Dave Beck as Felix Unger and Donna Anderson as Ceciley Pigeon.
By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register
The Elkader Opera House Players return to the stage in April, with Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” a timeless classic that in the words of show producer Kay Moser “speaks so well to any age.”
Moser, an Opera House Players veteran after joining the group in 1973, is a familiar face behind the scenes, where she is most comfortable working on aspects like the set, props, stage management and helping the director. It’s a reminder that so much more goes into a production than what appears on stage acted out by the cast. Sometimes, behind the scenes presents its own set of unique challenges. In this case, it was props.
“This particular show has lots of props that we have had to collect or create,” Moser said.
This challenge was met by using the existing backstage collection and through the hard work of the group, which Moser described as a “family.” It’s a family that is welcoming and has fun together.
Another challenge, this one for director Jon Banse, was actually casting the show. According to the veteran who directed his first production in 2005, “The Odd Couple,” although a show Banse described as one “everyone can relate to and is hilariously funny,” wasn’t originally on the schedule.
Casting issues put a hold on “Charlie’s Aunt,” and it was replaced by this classic tale of “mismatched friends living together.” Despite the switch, Banse believes a great cast that possesses “remarkable talent” was achieved. It’s the type of cast that makes being a director easy.
“Their own mastery of the craft and stage presence makes my job easy and enjoyable,” Banse said.
The director is also aided by experience gained over the years. They are years in which he learned how to better his own craft, such as how to encourage actors in a way that brings out their best and. He also helps actors refine their approach in areas of audience engagement, such as delivering a line, eliciting a laugh or anything that sparks an audience reaction, like certain lines, gags, actions or innuendos, which are Banse’s favorite parts of a production.
“It makes the time spent in rehearsal and all the hard work worth it,” Banse said.
And it’s a lot of time. According to Banse, participants rehearse around 25 times before opening night, and plenty of weekends are sacrificed building and painting sets. But, as Moser stated, this time is well worth it when the “sounds of laughter and the smiling faces” appear in the audience.
The time is also not a big deal for stage veteran Dave Beck, who is playing the role of Felix Unger, one half of “The Odd Couple.” The time is secondary to the “camaraderie and the love of theater” that develops over the course of rehearsals and shows.
Beck is no stranger to the stage, and as chance would have it, he is no stranger to the role of Unger, which he played 41 years ago in the Guttenberg Community Theater. Of course, according to Beck, back then, things were just a little bit different.
“At that time, we had to draw a moustache on so I looked older; now, I have to dye my hair to look younger. So, in the way of aging, I have matured. In acting, I hope I have matured. I think I develop a character with more insight and depth now,” Beck said.
Beck, in the role of Felix the “neurotic nut,” acts opposite Cary Kann in the role of the “consummate slob” Oscar Madison. In real life, Beck has the utmost respect for Kann and his “talented stage presence,” but on stage, the characters’ friendship becomes strained after living together. Hilarity obviously ensues.
When it comes to challenges for the actor, Beck mentioned the number of lines and combating stage fright, which he said was a “mental workout.”
“Staying in character is the primary aspect to overcome distraction. Problems do arise with lines and getting lost, but you work through it somehow. Knowing the show inside and out is key,” he explained. “Being well prepared and reminding myself to be mentally and physically relaxed is helpful as well. If I feel myself becoming tense, I slow down the delivery and relax my mind and body. Not an easy task.”
One thing that helps, especially with this play, is the fact that “these are not fantasy characters,” Beck said. Instead, this is a real world scenario with everyday mannerisms and language, which makes staying in character that much easier.
“I would say the most rewarding aspect is developing and delivering a true character with the right emotion. The applause and congratulations at the end is always nice too. Icing on the cake,” Beck added.
This show will also introduce to the stage for the first time Sonney Wilson in the role of Gwendolyn Pigeon. Wilson, who was previously part of productions as an usher, will join another newcomer, husband Andrew Wilson, in the role of Roy. The new additions are a welcome sight for director Banse.
“It’s great to have new people join our group. Whether it is as an actor on stage or helping backstage, helping to construct or paint set, or the multitude of other jobs we offer,” he said. “We strongly foster the environment of fun, laughter and participation, with a healthy mix of professionalism.”
As far as the show goes, Banse is confident in the veteran actors as well as the newcomers.
“We have a great cast and crew who are seasoned in entertaining the crowd. We have rehearsed, rehearsed and rehearsed again, and are ready to deliver an amazing performance,” he said.
“The Odd Couple” will be presented on April 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and on April 3 and 10 at 2 p.m., at the Elkader Opera House. Tickets are available through the opera house website.
