This weekend wraps up the final performance from the group known as ARTS production - and it’s a terrific show: the classic Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple.
My lovely wife and I caught it last week and had a great time - it’s smart and very, very funny (my favorite of Simon’s comedies), and the cast is terrific!
If you want to see it, get your tickets quick - the weekend shows are almost sold out!
We have one more interview with the show’s cast to share - so let's hear from the "new kid on the block" - the funny and talented Jeremy Ramsier!
Q: Just in case someone hasn't seen the show, tell us about The Odd Couple.
Jeremy: The story is about two friends, Oscar and Felix. Oscar is a slob. Felix is fastidious to a fault. Felix has just found out his wife wants a divorce, leaving him without a place to live. Oscar, who is already divorced, invites Felix to live with him in his apartment. People say opposites attract. Well, in this case, opposites mix like oil and water. However, by the end, this mixture becomes a little more homogenous as Oscar becomes less of a slob and Felix doesn't sweat the small stuff.
Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?
Jeremy: I've wanted to act in a straight play for a long time. Most shows in the Huntington area are musicals. I don't do musicals. I saw the auditions posted online for The Odd Couple and thought, this is my chance. I auditioned and got a part.
Q: Tell us about the character you play.
Jeremy: I play the character of Speed. He is a friend of Oscar and Felix and part of the Friday night poker gang. Speed is a wisecracking smartass with a short fuse. His anger comes through as sarcastic remarks mostly. The character of Speed is a fun part to play. His frustrations toward his friends creates some of the more comedic moments when the poker game is played.
Q: What's your background in theatre?
Jeremy: I'm a relative newcomer as a theater participant. I have, however, been a theater parent for many a year. My first role in a production was as stage hand for 5th Avenue's White Christmas. Later, I made ensemble cast and was the prop master for their production of Sweeney Todd.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about doing a comedy like this?
Jeremy: Timing. There isn't much air between lines. That's what makes the lines punch and the punchlines funny. Getting the lines correct to make the jokes work has also been a challenge. It's funny (or not-so funny in this case) how changing just a word or two can make the difference between the audience laughing or them missing the joke completely. The show is physical. Much of the comedy comes from physical, almost slapstick humor.
Q: Tell us about the talented cast.
Jeremy: Everybody has been a complete joy to work with. Although I'm a newbie, I've been treated like a part of the family. The whole crew is invested in the show and their commitment is what makes it work.
Q: Why would you recommend this show?
Jeremy: First and foremost, it's funny. With all the trouble going on these days, it's nice to be able to escape for a few hours and laugh. There are also many tender moments between Oscar and Felix. It's relatable. You find yourself thinking, am I carefree like Oscar, or am I uptight like Felix? Finding the balance between the two is what makes good people.
Q: Thanks, Jeremy!
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon will be presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) on Thursday Friday and Saturday, Oct. 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.
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