'Odd Couple' opens Friday

Staff Reports

Carson Valley's Dakota Organization theatrical production of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" opens Friday at the CVIC Hall in downtown Minden.

The Tony Award-winning play about the mismatched duo of Oscar and Felix premiered on Broadway in 1965 and inspired several revivals, adaptations, a movie starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and a TV series. The story involves the main characters Oscar and Felix, two friends as different as night and day, as they attempt to share an apartment but hold very different viewpoints on housekeeping and manners.

"I couldn't be more thrilled with our cast. We are definitely going to bring a fresh approach to this classic comedy," Dakota Organization founder Teri Levy said of the upcoming production. "This show is hilarious and endearing. I believe audiences will fall in love with this show."

Christopher Willson plays the part of Felix, with Warren Schader as Oscar. Jim DeZerga, Jody Paslov, Dan Shoup, and Jeff Fast play the poker players, and Nicole Schader and Lesley Henrie portray the Pigeon sisters. The production is directed by Jeff Fast and produced by Willson and Schader.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Feb. 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, and Feb. 28 at the CVIC Hall, 1602 Esmeralda Avenue in downtown Minden. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 seniors and students. Information and tickets at the Carson Valley Arts Council, 1572 Highway 395 in Minden, at thedakotaorganization.com or call 265-2942.

The Dakota Organization is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit theatrical organization based in Minden and founded in 2005. In addition to its own productions, the company is committed to supporting theater groups in the area through volunteering efforts, and material and equipment sharing.