Sometimes a brief "time-out" is just what is needed to escape the political ads and problems of today. Morris Theatre Guild presents such an opportunity with its current production of Neil Simon's classic comedy, The Odd Couple, presented this weekend, Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 23 at 2:30 PM. The second weekend, October 28-30 follows the same times.

Enjoy the familiar struggle between Oscar (William Gillespie) and his uptight friend, Felix (Jim Welch) as they try to get along. This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. If the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and way too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.

Rounding out the cast are the poker-playing buddies Gary Talsky, Matt Pasternak, Ken Schroeder, and Craig Laudeman, plus the upstairs English Pigeon sisters, Ellen Rasmussen and Jenna Stinson. Jim Welch, who has done this play before, was asked about doing the role again and responded, "Bringing Felix Unger back to life has been both a pleasure and a challenge. He didn't just walk back into the theatre when I called him. I had to go out and pull him back, kicking and screaming at times. It's always hard work, but always worth it."

Tickets are available at morristheatreguild.org or by calling 815-942-1966. This wonderful start to the MTG 2022-23 Season will be followed by the WMTG Radio Christmas show on December 2-11, the comedy Mama Won't Fly on March 3-12, and The Gin Game on May 12-21. Season Tickets will also be available online for $48, a savings on ticket prices. This provides a wonderful way to support Morris Theatre Guild and guarantee tickets for these great shows.