Up for the first of our interviews is James Holley, who plays the slobby half of the couple:
Q: Tell us about The Odd Couple.
James: The Odd Couple is a Neil Simon comedy that follows two best friends, very different men, through a rough point in their lives. Specifically, one man, Oscar is newly divorced and the other, Felix has just separated from his wife. In need of a mutual support system they decided to become roommates.
Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?
James: The play is a classic and timelessly funny. Typically, I’m cast as a white collar guy so when director Gene Anthony offered me the part of Oscar I couldn’t say no.
Q: Tell us about the character you play.
James: Oscar Madison is a well-respected New York City sports writer. Although he is very successful his lifestyle mirrors that of a college frat boy. He drinks too much, gambles his money away and lives like a slob. He is clearly intelligent but very immature.
Q: What's your background in theatre?
James: I have been acting since 2011. My first show was Titanic the Musical. Since that time I’ve worked with a number of theatre troops in the tri-state and even some as far away as Louisville and Pittsburgh. The bulk of my real acting experience has come with ARTS over the last two years. I have played an attorney in both A Little Night Music and God of Carnage, a dance instructor in The Full Monty, and a NYC cab driver in A Catered Affair. Now I’m a cigar smoking sports writer. It’s a nice stretch.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about doing a comedy like this?
James: Honestly the hardest part of a comedy is finding the joke. This show specifically is about real life issues. It’s not a farce. It’s a comedic look at some sad, relatable life events. The great thing is it reminds us that if we can look at the bright side, things usually work out for the best.
Q: Tell us about the talented cast.
James: The cast is just great. Working with Robert Hutchens (Felix) is always both fun and educational. I learn so much watching his process. Being directed by Gene Anthony is a quite an experience as well. He knows comedy and how to sell a joke better than anyone I’ve ever worked with.
Q: Why would you recommend this show?
James: We were informed this week that this is ARTS' last play. The company has run its course and we will not have a 2018 season. We are a very close-knit group of performers and were all shocked and saddened by this news. Although we will continue to develop and hone our craft with other local theaters, this will be the last chance to see an ARTS production. I really want this group to go out with a bang and this show will for sure leave everyone smiling.
Q: Thanks, James!
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon will be presented by Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) on Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only and $30 for both dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-734-2787.
No comments:
Post a Comment