Oscar is a sloppy, cigar-smoking, beer-drinking, easy-going, fun-loving sportswriter. Felix is a hypochondriac, opera-loving, uptight, neat-freak, kitchen glove wearing newswriter. Together they are the Odd Couple. Beijing Playhouse brings Neil Simon's hit Broadway comedy of the Manhattan roommates to the stage of Chaoyang.

As a recent returnee to the Big Pinguo of Beijing, my first stop was opening weekend of the Odd Couple at Block 8. Due to "unknown" circumstances, the show was relocated with a week's notice thanks to the revocation of all modifications made to English language performance licenses. Block 8 came to rescue and Beijing Playhouse was able to salvage and relocate 5 out of the 6 canceled performances. The cast is small and the show was designed to be mobile so the cast and crew adjusted with grace.

Except for a few sight line issues, the setting at Block 8 is great and according to producer, Chris Verrill, the management has been extremely helpful and accommodating. It is an intimate and interesting venue with a full bar available during intermission.

The show starts off with the ensemble cast shooting out the fantastic fast-paced dialogue and one liners that Neil Simon is famous for. Once the main characters enter the scene, the physical comedy begins. Director Rod Archer has taken into account the fact that the audience is a mix of Chinese and expats so the physical humor has been raised to make up for the language barrier. The result is hilarious staging and perfect chemistry between the two main characters and a strong supporting cast. The Pidgeon sisters are bubbly, sexy, silly British babes. And the poker crowd is complete with Vinnie (reminiscent of Milton from Office Space) and Roy (a German with a wig fetish).

The experience of the cast ranges from beginner to professional and they come from a multitude of nationalities. Though the play is setting in New York, this production still feels like Beijing. The sound effects are the best with a bicycle bell as the telephone ring and the doorbell is a textbook Chinese triple door chime.

Conrad Haessler's Felix Unger is the paradigm of OCD dealing with his new messy house and loss of his ex-wife. Michael Gralapp's Oscar Madison is so sloppy even the back of his shirt has stains. In spite of well-known examples of Oscar and Felix offered by movies, stage, and TV in the US, the Beijing cast brings them to life in their own unique way.

Tonight (April 10) is family night at the Chaoyang Cultural Center with half priced tickets for students and families.

Here is a list of remaining performances. Be sure to check it out!

Thursday, April 10 - Chaoyang Cultural Centre (Family Night)

Friday, April 11 - CCC

Saturday, April 12 - CCC

Sunday, April 13 - CCC (2pm matinee)

Friday, April 18 - Block 8

Saturday, April 19 - Block 8

Friday, April 25 - International School of Beijing in Shunyi

Saturday, April 26 - ISB in Shunyi

Sunday, April 27 - ISB in Shunyi (2pm matinee; Closing Performance)

(All shows start at 7:30pm unless it is a Sunday matinee.)

Tickets:

250rmb (or 125rmb)

137 1890 8922

Beijing Playhouse Website