Costa Mesa Playhouse Presents THE ODD COUPLE, 8/6-26

One of the most famous comedic plays of the 20th century comes to Costa Mesa when the Costa Mesa Playhouse presents Neil Simon's The Odd Couple August 6 - 29, 2010.

The Broadway hit that won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Play tells the story of Felix Ungar, a neurotic and tidy news writer in the midst of a failing marriage who moves in with his messy, poker playing pal, Oscar Madison. In an attempt to liberate his troubled friend from the confines of marriage, Oscar plans a double date for him and Felix. However, silly competition and comedic mayhem combine to change the course of their friendship.

According to Mike Brown, a member of the Costa Mesa Playhouse Board of Directors, The Playhouse's production of Neil Simon's Jake's Women last season was very successful, so they reasoned that Simon's most famous and arguably best play, The Odd Couple, could only do better.

"In these challenging times, people want to have fun when they go see a play, and this show is definitely fun," says Brown. "Our audiences have let us know they like laughter, and that is exactly what they will get with The Odd Couple."

Neil Simon is one of America's most prolific playwrights and screenwriters. His many works include Promises, Promises (1968), The Sunshine Boys (1972), They're Playing Our Song (1979), Brighton Beach Memoirs (1983), Laughter on the 23rd Floor (1993), and The Dinner Party (2000). He has received four Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

PERFORMANCES

Preview: Friday, August 6 at 8 pm

Gala Opening Night: Saturday, August 7 at 8 pm

Regular run: August 8 - 29, Friday & Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm

Ticket Prices: Gala Opening Night $23, General Admission $18, Students & Seniors $16, Preview $16 (Discounts for groups of 10 or more)

Information: (949) 650-5269 and www.costamesaplayhouse.org

Costa Mesa Playhouse / 661 Hamilton Street / Costa Mesa, CA / 92627

The Costa Mesa Playhouse is a 73-seat, not-for-profit theater that has been serving the Orange County community for more than 40 years. The Playhouse is dedicated to presenting affordable, quality, live theater in a comfortable and intimate setting, and to offering actors, singers, dancers, and stage craftspeople a welcoming environment in which to practice their craft. The Playhouse offers a diverse five-play season that runs from August through June and includes notable musicals, comedies and dramas. Located on the campus of Rea School, the Costa Mesa Playhouse receives no monetary support from the city or school district. All revenues come from ticket sales, subscriptions, and the generous donations of patrons, and are directed back into the productions at The Playhouse and toward general operating costs.