October 28, 2005

Critics find fault with critic-proof 'Odd Couple' revival

Last night's opening of the critic-proof "The Odd Couple" starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick failed to meet heightened expectations after the comedy team turned legendary with similiar roles in "The Producers."

The play, which sold out its entire run before previews began, is directed by Joe Mantello. The cast also features Brad Garrett of "Everybody Loves Raymond."

A roundup of the reviews:

Misery Loves a Roommate - New York Times
"Decent seats are said to be had now only through extortion, robbery, the selling of a child or a body part or, more mundanely, the willingness to wait in the long, testy cancellation lines that form before each show.

Think twice before giving up a kid or a left arm. You might need them for that apocalyptic day when Britney Spears comes to Broadway in "The Sound of Music." If you have seen any of the more celebrated earlier productions of "The Odd Couple" - the original 1965 staging (starring Walter Matthau and Art Carney); the 1968 movie (with Matthau and Jack Lemmon) or even the 1970's sitcom (with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall) - you have probably already experienced a more authentic interpretation of this show. And if you were lucky enough to see Mr. Lane and Mr. Broderick in the hit musical "The Producers," you have definitely already experienced more satisfying versions of the performances they are giving here."

Lane shines in 'The Odd Couple' - Associated Press
"Watch Lane as he starts with a low rumble of exasperation and gradually builds into a fury at Broderick's obsessive-compulsive antics. The face twitches, then reddens as the bellowing starts. But the actor is more than just loud. Lane knows how to land a laugh, and he gets every one that Simon has written in this saga of two divorced - or soon-to-be divorced - men trying to start new lives."

The Odd Couple - Variety
"Back in 1965, the idea of two middle-age New York males -- one a slob, the other a neat-freak -- sharing an apartment and bickering like husband and wife was ripe comic terrain. Now, it's just called Chelsea. However, it's not the rusty vehicle that's the chief problem in this slick but stale revival of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple." Rather, it's the profound imbalance in the lead performances. As grouchy Oscar Madison, Nathan Lane snuggles deep into his character like a ratty, old favorite sweater. But as uptight neurotic Felix Ungar, Matthew BroderickMatthew Broderick is on smirking autopilot, sapping any heart from the bond between these quarrelsome buddies."

Same Old 'Couple' - Newsday
"Mantello, who knows his way through such contrasting aesthetics as "Wicked," "Assassins" and "Glengarry Glen Ross," proves here that he can be equally in command of Broadway's old-time, middle-aged, middle-class humor. Why he wants to is less simple to understand, but he has approached each double-take and punchline as a classic."

Lane, Broderick ladle it on - USA Today
"But it's the rapport between them that truly delights. When this Felix begins dusting around his and Oscar's pals in the middle of a poker game, or details a list of bizarre ailments, Oscar's reactions are as amusing as his roommate's antics."

Earlier: 'Odd Couple' tickets on sale for tonight's preview
'Odd Couple' entirely sold out for general public

October 28, 2005 12:17 AM in Broadway

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