THE WEEK OF
May 21, 2003
The Odd Couple
Russian music
Datebook
'Tender Lies'
Society
Photograph by Tom Chargin
Peter Van Norden (left) and David Pichette, seen in San José Rep's 2002 production of 'ART,' will appear as Oscar and Felix in The Rep's production of 'The Odd Couple.'
The Odd Couple: Tale of mismatched roommates at The Rep
By Estelle Pagnoux
Playwright Neil Simon's classic story of two mismatched roommates is introduced to another generation of fans when The Odd Couple returns to the stage at the San José Repertory Theatre.

Marking her 15th year as artistic director, Timothy Near directs the production that includes 81 crew and cast of past Rep productions. The play also represents a sort of full circle for Near, who appeared on an episode of the TV series The Odd Couple in the early 1970s.

The now classic story of Felix Ungar, the obsessive neatfreak, and Oscar Madison, the sloppy and carefree sportswriter, has since 1965 been delighting anyone who ever had a roommate.

In their third joint appearance at the Rep, David Pichette plays Felix, and Peter Van Norden takes the role of Oscar.

Looking to get a sneak peak at the show? The Scene, a pre-show party held in the Rep's upstairs Studio Theatre, gives participants a chance to wine and dine and enjoy the performance nearly a week prior to opening night. Tickets are $24 and include dinner, wine and beer and an 8 p.m. performance on May 24.

The Odd Couple runs May 30 through June 22 at the San José Rep. Tickets are $20 to $48. Call 408.367.7255 or visit www.sjrep.com for more information.