Red Carpet And Big Laughs From Players Of The Glen

SEATED: JIM FITZGERALD, ROSE HANSFORD, PAM JOHNSON, DON LYNCH, PAT CALLAGHAN, AND DIRECTOR, TRISH PERRY; STANDING: MARK SCHULZ, ART LIPPENS, DENNIS DELUCA

The Players of the Glen delivered an evening of laughter and charm with their recent production of The Odd Couple, performed March 13–15. The beloved comedy sprang to life on stage, delighting audiences with its sharp wit, colorful characters, and excellent ensemble performances.

At the heart of the show were Pat Callaghan as the slovenly sportswriter Oscar Madison and Dennis DeLuca as the neurotic neat-freak Felix Ungar. Callaghan embodied Oscar’s easygoing, disheveled lifestyle with natural humor and impeccable timing, while DeLuca’s Felix was a masterclass in comic anxiety, fussing over cleanliness, manners, and the smallest details of daily life. Together, the pair created a wonderfully balanced partnership that captured the spirit of the classic mismatched roommates. Their chemistry was evident in every scene, drawing constant laughter as Felix’s compulsive tidiness clashed with Oscar’s carefree chaos.

The supporting cast added greatly to the production’s success. Jim Fitzgerald brought personality to the role of Vinnie, while Art Lippens delivered plenty of laughs as the quick-witted Speed. Don Lynch gave Roy a confident presence at the poker table, and Mark Schulz rounded out the card-playing quartet as Murray, providing steady comic support. Their scenes together created a lively atmosphere that perfectly captured the camaraderie and friendly chaos of Oscar’s apartment.

One of the evening’s highlights came with the appearance of the delightful Pigeon sisters. Rose Hansford as Cecily and Pam Johnson as Gwendolyn charmed the audience with their playful accents and impeccable comedic timing. Their dinner scene with Oscar and Felix was a standout moment, filled with escalating misunderstandings and laugh-out-loud exchanges.

Director Trish Perry deserves special recognition for guiding the cast in bringing this classic comedy to life. Working seamlessly behind the scenes, Stage Manager Janice Radcliff kept the production running smoothly, directing the action backstage and ensuring that every cue and scene change happened effortlessly. Technical Director Karen Jessop coordinated the sound and lighting, adding the finishing touches that enhanced the atmosphere and helped bring the story to life for the audience.

Adding to the excitement of the theater season, Friday’s Opening Night began with a red carpet gala experience that featured a playful theme of “sloppy vs neat,” inspired by the contrasting apartment and personalities of Oscar and Felix. Guests mingled throughout the lobby as it buzzed with laughter and conversation, while attentive servers circulated through the crowd offering delicious hors d’oeuvres. The evening set a festive tone for the production and showcased the warm, welcoming spirit of the theater community. The success of the gala was truly a team effort, led by Cathy Barbal, Sue Gregor, Marylou Pierozzi, and Rikki Nelson, whose hard work helped create a memorable evening for all in attendance.

With heartfelt gratitude, we acknowledge the extraordinary dedication and selfless efforts of our many volunteers, whose unwavering support has made this production possible and brought it to life.