The Odd Couple Takes in 7 Million on First Day of Sales

By: Jun. 07, 2005
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The upcoming revival of The Odd Couple is setting off box office fires.  On the first day of sales, the Lane-and-Broderick comedy has raked in about $7 million in advance sales. 

The show begins previews on October 4th, but if sales continue along the lines of the first day, the show could potentially sell out its limited run before it begins performances.  It is also possible for the Neil Simon comedy to recoup its entire investment before opening.

Tickets, which went on sale on June 6th, are not available yet to the entire public.  As of now, holders of American Express cards and groups can order in advance of the official day of box office-opening--July 5th.

In addition to the bonanza team of Lane and Broderick, the production will feature Lee Wilkof, Rob Bartlett, Brad Garrett, Olivia d'Abo and Jessica Stone.

The Odd Couple relates the platonic love story of two very mismatched men--neatnik photographer Felix Unger (Broderick) and sportswriting sloven Oscar Madison (Lane). Sharing a room, their initial warm feelings for one another are tested when their lifestyles clash.

The original production of The Odd Couple opened at the Plymouth Theatre on March 10, 1965, and ran for 966 performances. Directed by Mike Nichols, the show starred Art Carney as Felix and Walter Matthau as Oscar. The show won 4 of its 5 Tony nominations, including the Best Author (Play) Tony for Simon. A classic 1968 film version would have Matthau reprising his role as Oscar, with Jack Lemmon as Felix. A revised female version opened in 1985, with Rita Moreno as "Olive" and Sally Struthers as "Florence." There was also a hit TV version that starred Jack Klugman as Oscar and Tony Randall as Felix.

The revival will be produced by Emanuel Azenberg, Ira Pittelman, Jeffrey Sine, Max Cooper and Ben Sprecher. Directed by Joe Mantello, The Odd Couple will open on October 4th at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. 

Rehearsals for The Odd Couple are scheduled to begin on Septemper 6th.

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