Emerson Colonial Theatre Official Blog

The Odd Couple

On February 4, 1965, Neil Simon's THE ODD COUPLE opened at the Colonial, starring Walter Matthau (Oscar) and Art Carney (Felix).

This classic comedy centers around uptight, neat Felix Ungar and easygoing, disheveled Oscar Madison as new roommates.

Neil Simon went on to credit Boston critic Elliot Norton with helping him develop the third act of the play. Elliot Norton enjoyed the show but told Simon, “You know what I missed in the third act? I missed the Pigeon Sisters.” Simon went on to take the advice by rewriting the third act and reintroducing the Pigeon Sisters. Simon said of Elliot Norton, "Elliot had such a keen eye. I don't know if he saved the play or not, but he made it a bigger success."

THE ODD COUPLE went on to open on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre on March 10, 1965, and after transferring to the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, closed on July 2, 1967. The play won four Tony Awards including Best Play and Best Actor in a Play for Walter Matthau.