The Odd Couple: “Don’t Miss It!”

Jim Jenkins as Oscar and Charles Zeldenrust as Felix

The Poker Group: L to R: Ron Jenkins as Vinnie, Mike Gesler as Murray, Bob Alonzo as Speed and Jim Renney as Roy.

Felix (Zeldenrust) and Murray (Gesler) in a bit of a discussion

LionHeart production brings a bevy of laughs to the stage

Review by Megan Wirts

LionHeart productions is back with a classic for their spring show. Under the direction of Jamie Evans, The Odd Couple by Neil Simon will be on stage at the Grant Fine Arts Center March 17 and 18 and The Dogwood Center for Performing Arts in Fremont March 24, 25 and 26. Tickets are on sale now at the Grant Fine Arts Center Box Office and Dogwood Center for Performing Arts. 

Many people of a certain generation grew up watching The Odd Couple on TV, before that there was a movie but before that Neil Simon created the stage production that started it all. 
The show starts out at Oscar’s house during his weekly poker game, where we meet Speed (Bob Alonzo), Murray (Mike Gesler), Vinnie (Ron Jenkins) and Roy (Jim Renney). This crew brings the laughs! All veterans of the LionHeart stage and each bringing a bit of comic relief and sincerity to their roles. It is during this poker game that Felix shows up disheveled and upset. His wife kicked him out and he has nowhere to go. Oscar reluctantly agrees to let Felix move in with him and that’s where the real story begins. 

Oscar and Felix couldn’t be more different. Oscar, played by the incomparable Jim Jenkins, is a divorced bachelor who is messy, loud, qne likes to drink and play poker. Felix, played by the wonderful Charles Zeldenrust, just found out he’s getting divorced. He is tidy, sensitive,and  likes to make fancy dinners and keep things organized. Two complete opposites, yet good friends that deeply care about each other while also being incredibly irritated with how the other lives.The banter between Jenkins and Zeldenrust flows and will have you invested in each character's lives.

Rounding out the cast are the lovely Pigeon sisters, Gwendolyn played by Melissa Bass and Cecily played by Buffy Alonzo. The two sisters that live upstairs bring the giggles and the sweetness and deliver some of the biggest laughs of the show. 

LionHeart always brings us excellence on the stage and behind the scenes. The set design and props are detailed and intricate. The backstage crew stage was on top of their game, keeping the show moving and making sure each potato chip was in its proper place. From the lighting and sound to the hair and costuming, LionHeart productions knows how to create an immersive experience. 

As a non-profit and small town community theater they rely on support from ticket sales and donations from their generous patrons to continue giving our community quality entertainment. You can become a member by visiting LionHeart Productions. 

Don’t miss this hilarious show! Performances are March 17 at 7:30pm, March 18 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm at the Grant Fine Arts Center and March 24 at 7:30pm, March 25 at 7:30pm and March 26 at 2:00pm. 

Jim Jenkins as Oscar

Felix, and Oscar inn a visit from the Pigeon sisters Buffy Alonzo as Cecily and Melissa Bass as Gwendolyn .