Opening tonight, under the direction of Fred Ruark, the “Odd Couple,” comes to life performed by the local Newtowne Players’ all-volunteer cast, which has been rehearsing for the production since mid January. This “wildly, irresistibly, incredibly, and continuously funny [comedy],” as the New York Daily News calls it, was originally a Broadway play, written by Neil Simon. The play then gained its popularity through a 5 season ABC sitcom in the 1970s, and now arrives on the local stage at Lexington Park’s Three Notch Theatre.
 |
| The Bay Net Photos by Daniel Gross |
The comedic play tells the story of two men, both divorced, who become roommates. While one is precise, sanitary, and very selective, the other is careless, sluggish, and excessively sloppy. This well thought out scenario makes for an overwhelmingly comical scene-by-scene viewing, giving the audience fresh laughs as each scene develops.
“The Script Selection Committee suggested Odd Couple, and I was very familiar with it,” said Ruark, who decided to direct this play. Ruark has been with the Newtowne Players since their first start and has previously directed and acted with the group. “At first, I helped with the construction of the theatre and did many odd jobs,” he told The Bay Net. It wasn’t until 2005 that he made his directing debut when he took on Newtowne’s production of “War of The Worlds.”
Ruark participated in musical theatre in high school, and theatre has always been of interest to him, he explained. Previous to the Newtowne Players, Ruark volunteered with the Alumni Players, the theatre acting group in Solomon’s. “When I moved to St. Mary’s County I saw it as a good outlet,” he said of the theatre company based in what used to be Lexington Park’s library. Some of his co-workers, prior to his retirement, were involved with local theatre, and that also peaked his interest, he told The Bay Net. “When the Newtowne Players got their theatre I got really excited,” remembers Ruark.
While directing rehearsals for “Odd Couple,” Ruark said that the play is about to peak. With some veteran Newtowne actors and some new to the group, the comedy seems to be well performed. Auditions began in December and following the closing of “Blithe Spirit,” rehearsals began for “Odd Couple.”
Since the Newtowne Players first came about they’ve received much support from the community. “The commissioners have been very instrumental in getting this off the ground,” Ruark told The Bay Net. “The group’s popularity has definitely increased.” There has also been excellent feedback from the people, according to Ruark. “It’s definitely growing.” The theatre is entirely volunteer and non-profit, donating proceeds to local charities such as The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland.
“Odd Couple” opens tonight, March 2nd and will last through March 18th, playing Thursdays through Saturdays. For a chance to win two free tickets to see the popular comedy visit the contests section of The Bay Net. For more information about the play and the Three Notch Theatre visit their website at http://www.newtowneplayers.org/.
