Upcoming: The Odd Couple by Neil Simon, Hill Country Community Theatre, near Marble Falls, February 17 - 27

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presents

The Odd Couple

by Neil Simon

February 17 - 27

Thursdays - Sundays at Hill Country Community Theatre

2003 W. FM 2147 in Cottonwood Shores (click for map)

Eight Highland Lakes area residents have been chosen as the cast of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, which will play February 17-27 at the Hill Country Community Theatre. Cast into the lead role of Oscar Madison is HCCT veteran actor Anson Hahn, who has appeared in a dozen productions at the theatre, while Robert King, Jr., will play Oscar’s fastidious roommate Felix Ungar. This will be Mr. King’s second appearance on the HCCT stage.

Other male cast members and their characters include: Stan Farmer as Speed, Paul Otis as Murray, Cameron Stewart as Roy and David Sweigart as Vinnie. Two HCCT newcomers--Laura Braden as Gwendolyn Pigeon and Julie Johnson as Cecily Pigeon--have been chosen for the show’s two female roles. The show is directed by HCCT veteran actor and director Wendy Ferrell, with Maury James as stage manager.

First premiering on Broadway in 1965, The Odd Couple is the story of divorced and slovenly Oscar Madison who decides to room with newly separated clean freak Felix Unger with hilarious results. The play has become one of the most popular storylines in the last 50 years and its title is now coined as a term that signifies an extremely mismatched pair.

Ms. Ferrell said she’s excited about the cast for HCCT’s upcoming production. “We had a great turnout for the auditions, with both experienced actors and new people coming out. Everyone was very enthusiastic about the show.”

She said she is especially encouraged with the number of tryouts by people new to the HCCT stage. “No experience is necessary for HCCT productions and everyone is welcome. It takes a lot for someone to step out of their comfort zone for the first time and put themselves out there. But they always have a good time. And once they’ve been ‘bitten,’ they’re often excited to do more.”

Ms. Ferrell also thanked everyone who tried out. “The wonderful response to our casting call reflects a great deal of genuine support in the community for the Hill Country Community Theatre,” she said.

HCCT’s production of The Odd Couple is scheduled to open February 17 and run through February 27 with 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday through Saturday and 2:15 p.m. matinees on Sunday afternoons. All performances will be held at the theatre, located at 2003 W. FM 2147 in Cottonwood Shores.

Tickets will be available through the HCCT box office beginning February 7 for HCCT members and February 10 for the general public. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The box office phone number is 830-798-8944.

Currently operating on an all-volunteer basis, Hill Country Community Theatre is one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in Texas. During its 25-year history, its productions have drawn audiences totaling more than 100,000. Some 5,000 volunteers from surrounding communities have given their time and support to HCCT’s operations, from management to acting to all aspects of backstage and onstage production.