It's a talented actor who can get a laugh or rise out of an audience by a series of gestures and movements without saying a word. It's a rare treat when two actors work that way in perfect synch. But Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, who became the toast of the town when they starred in the musical "The Producers" in 2001, do just that, making a welcome return to Broadway as the leads in a revival of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple," a comedy about the ultimate mismatched roommates. "The Odd Couple" was a major hit when it first premiered on Broadway in 1965, later becoming a movie (with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau) as well as a television series (with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman). From the moment casting was announced for this production there was widespread speculation whether Lane and Broderick would be able to recreate their on-stage magic, as well as believably embody two completely different characters. For the most part they succeed, and if this revival is not quite the homerun everyone had hoped for, it's at least a very strong ground-rule double.
Ultra-slovenly and divorced Oscar Madison (Lane) and uber-neatnik (and self-described "neurotic nut") Felix Unger (Broderick) may be the best of friends, but as roommates they're a recipe for disaster. Oscar took Felix in when he was thrown out of his home by his wife of 12 years. In just three short weeks, compulsive cleaner Felix has changed Oscar's filthy 8-room Manhattan apartment into an advertisement for "House Beautiful" and Oscar into a man about to have a nervous breakdown. He can't move anywhere without Felix following him with an astray. When an attempt to find common ground, involving a double date with the Pigeon sisters (Olivia d'Abo and Jessica Stone) from upstairs ends in disaster; it's only a matter of time before something (and someone) explodes.
Wisely, the creative team has kept the play's original 1965 setting. And except for a few bits here and there, the work really doesn't seem dated. However, several of the one-liners, especially among Oscar and Felix's poker buddies, (Rob Bartlett, Brad Garrett, Peter Frechette and Lee Wilkof) seem flat and not as well-delivered as they should be. (This particularly comes across with Frechette's character.) The same problem occurs with the Pigeon sisters. Vapid ladies both, they're supposed to be funny vapid ladies and some of their lines just seem weak. Since these instances appear just enough to call attention to themselves, not derail the play, one would tend to put the problem with Joe Mantello's direction, rather than the supporting cast themselves—all of whom are quite good; especially Garrett as Murray the Cop, and d'Abo as Gwendolyn Pigeon. The set by John Lee Beatty also works perfectly.
From the moment he barrels onstage, one can tell Lane is playing a completely different character from the pompous schemer he created in "The Producers." His Oscar is the ultimate regular guy; loud, sarcastic, unkempt, and first appearing in an outfit Max Bialystock wouldn't be caught dead in (wonderful work by costumer Ann Roth). Unfortunately Broderick's Felix is not nearly as well-defined. In the beginning, he appears as the same nasal whiner he played in "The Producers," and I found myself noting the similarities. It isn't until the second act that Broderick is able to channel the spirit of Felix Unger and really make the character his own. He's very good, but the audience shouldn't have to suffer through a Leo Bloom retread in Act One. (One also can't help but wonder what would have happened had Lane and Broderick switched roles–a rumor often mentioned in the press, but apparently never seriously considered by the show's producers.)
However, the undisputed star of "The Odd Couple" is and has always been, Neil Simon. His words sing, his script sparkles and he's created a host of wonderful characters. If this current interpretation and execution is not all that it could be, it's still a very enjoyable evening and it's a treat to see these old friends back on the boards.
THE ODD COUPLE
Brooks Atkinson Theatre
256 West 46th Street
Admission: $60.00 - $100.00
Reservations: 212-307-4100 or www.ticketmaster.com
Running Time: Approximately 2 Hours, 10 Minutes
Judd Hollander is the New York Correspondent for the London publication THE STAGE.
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