American Stage’s ‘Odd Couple’ remake opens in St. Pete next week

The preview on Oct. 27 is ‘pay what you can.’

click to enlarge American Stage’s ‘Odd Couple’ remake opens in St. Pete next week
Jarrett Hass


American Stage is bringing new life into an old favorite when its version of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” starts next week. The St. Pete-based company—which performs in Raymond James Theater at 163 3rd St N.—sets the play in 2021 New York City, pandemic and all.

The comedy directed by Adam Mace stars Damon Dennin and Michael Burgess (pictured, L-R) as Oscar and Felix, the BFF but polar opposite roommates providing a “contemporary fresh interpretation of this beloved American classic with a modern, multicultural cast,” said a press release. 

Mace, who also teaches a “Physical Comedy Masterclass” at the theater, is giving us what we all need right now: a laugh. 

“For over a year and a half we have been dealing with this awful global pandemic and there really is no more important time to gather together safely and laugh than right now,” Mace wrote.

Speaking of safety, American Stage has three options for entrance to a performance: negative PCR test within 72 hours, negative rapid-test within 24 hours, or proof of vaccination. Masks are also required, regardless of vaxx status.

The show runs Oct. 27-Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $32.

If Halloween, or life in general, has your wallet light, the preview on Wednesday, Oct. 27 is “pay what you can” at the door. 

For more information, go to americanstage.org.

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Stephanie Powers

Freelance contributor Stephanie Powers started her media career as an Editorial Assistant long ago when the Tampa Bay Times was still called the St. Petersburg Times. After stints in Chicago and Los Angeles, where she studied improvisation at Second City Hollywood, she came back to Tampa and stayed put.She soon...
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