Former Presidential candidate, and current Senator
John Kerry visited the first preview of The Odd Couple with his wife
Teresa Heinz Kerry last night and we're happy to bring you an exclusive backstage photo.
The Kerry's spent time last night after the show visiting with the the cast, including Neil Simon,
Brad Garrett, Olivia d'Abo and the rest of the Odd Couple crew. Before leaving, they posed for a quick shot in
Matthew Broderick's dressing room.
Teresa Heinz Kerry, Matthew Broderick, John Kerry and Sarah Jessica Parker
Photo Credit: Jim Jones
In addition to the bonanza team of Tony-winners Lane and Broderick (who famously starred together as The Producers, and will do so again in the film version), the production will feature Lee Wilkof (Democracy, Kiss Me, Kate, Little Shop of Horrors) as Vinnie, Rob Bartlett (Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors revival) as Speed, Brad Garrett ("Everybody Loves Raymond") as Murray the Cop, Peter Frechette (Eastern Standard, Our Country's Good) as Roy, Olivia d'Abo ("The Wonder Years," Wayne's World 2) as Gwendolyn Pigeon and Jessica Stone (Grease, How to Succeed...) as Cecily Pigeon.
The Odd Couple relates the platonic love story of two very mismatched men--neatnik photographer Felix Unger (Broderick) and sportswriting sloven Oscar Madison (Lane). Sharing a room, their initial warm feelings for one another are tested when their lifestyles clash.
The original production of The Odd Couple opened at the Plymouth Theatre on March 10, 1965, and ran for 966 performances. Directed by Mike Nichols, the show starred Art Carney as Felix and Walter Matthau as Oscar. The show won 4 of its 5 Tony nominations, including the Best Author (Play) Tony for Simon. A classic 1968 film version would have Matthau reprising his role as Oscar, with Jack Lemmon as Felix. A revised female version opened in 1985, with Rita Moreno as "Olive" and Sally Struthers as "Florence." There was also a hit TV version that starred Jack Klugman as Oscar and Tony Randall as Felix.
