Dean Poling | The Valdosta Daily TimesOscar (Johnathan Cooks) is shocked to find Felix (Jeremy Munnings) and their dates (Della Webb and Patty Cosey) sobbing in the Theatre Guild Valdosta production of 'The Odd Couple.'

VALDOSTA — “The Odd Couple” has been connected with several famous pairings: Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, Tony Randall and Jack Klugman, Thomas Lennon and Matthew Perry.

Jeremy Munnings and Johnathan Cooks?

Munnings and Cooks play neat-freak Felix Unger and slob Oscar Madison respectively for the next two weekends in the Theatre Guild Valdosta production of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”

The comedy is about two divorced, middle-aged men, of divergent personalities and contrasting habits, sharing an apartment in New York. It is one of Simon’s most famous and popular plays, said Pauline Player, the show director. 

For Player, the show represents a familiar comeback. She directed a Guild production of “The Odd Couple” more than a decade ago. The current production is the third time the Guild has presented “The Odd Couple.”

Player hadn’t planned on directing again so soon. She took several years off from the Guild to care for a family member. She returned to work costumes during a recent show then a major water leak thrust her in the director’s chair.

The leak damaged The Dosta Playhouse, the Guild headquarters, in several areas. Repairs postponed the necessary revolving stage construction for the scheduled comedy of “Noises Off.” The Guild looked for a replacement show.

One thing led to another and Player offered to direct “The Odd Couple” again.

The cast is mostly new to the show and to the Guild. A new Felix, a new Oscar. 

However, two Guild veterans returned to the show.

Rick Patrick reprises his role of poker buddy Speed. Patrick also played Murray in the Guild’s first production of “The Odd Couple.”

Patty Cosey plays Cecily, one of the British sisters. She played the role previously.

Cooks and Munnings are new and ready to become the latest “Odd Couple.”

THE CAST: Ron Bruton, Johnathan Cooks, Patty Cosey, Masin Cribbs, Jeremy Munnings, Rick Patrick, Della Webb, Michael Wetherington.

DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Pauline Player, director; Patti Cook Robertson, producer; LaRon Foy, assistant director, lights & sound; Christie Jo Mayo, stage manager; Grant Brown, set design; Brock Gilliard, publicity; Loretta Steed, costumes; Linda Stikkel, props; Kaitlyn Allbritton & Reatha Peavy, backstage construction.

SHOWTIME

Theatre Guild Valdosta presents “The Odd Couple.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, June 1-3; 3 p.m. Sunday, June 4; 7:30 p.m., June 8-10.

Where: The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley St.

More information: Visit www.theatreguildvaldosta.com; or call (229) 24-STAGE.