Fleetwood Community Theatre is staging “Oscar & Felix,” the updated version of the well-known comedy “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon.  It will run for two weekends starting March 2.

  The story is familiar, Felix Unger, a neurotic-compulsive-neat freak shows up late one night for the weekly poker game.  He announces to “the guys” that his wife has kicked him to the curb.  Oscar Madison, his best friend, takes him in until he can get back on his feet.  Of course, Oscar is anything but neat and orderly and so the trials begin.  Oscar convinces Felix to get back into the dating scene and (in this version) invites the Spanish Costazuela sisters to dinner.  Breaking the number one rule of dating – don’t talk about the Ex – Felix still manages to win over the affection of the sisters.  Originally written in 1965, Simon’s comedy is anything but “politically correct” and updating to cell phones, laptops, and microwaves has not interrupted the story.

  FCT added something new this year, two dinner performances.  Both Saturday performances will start with a hot buffet dinner at 6 p.m.  Seats for the dinner show are $30 per person and must be reserved by calling 610-944-3610. All seats for Friday and Sunday are $13 available at the door or by calling ahead.  This show is not recommended for young children because of mature conversations.

  The show features Stan Durlak (Felix), Lance Thomas (Oscar), Patrick McCafferty (Speed), Jeremiah Hershelroth (Murry), Chris Jameson (Roy), Bob Barskey (Vinnie), Danelle Wagner (Ynez) and Melissa Kopicz (Julia) in this hysterical play directed by Tara Sands.

Performances are Friday March 2 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday March 3 Dinner Show at 6 p.m. (curtain at 7:30 p.m.) Sunday March 4 at 3 p.m., Saturday March 10 Dinner Show at 6 p.m. (curtain at 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday March 11 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5 West Arch St., Fleetwood, PA 19522

  A staff writer on the signature comedy series of television's infancy, "Your Show of Shows" (NBC, 1950-54), Neil Simon went on to establish himself as one of Broadway's most prolific and consistent hit makers. Over the course of four decades, a Simon play or musical opened most seasons on Broadway and were often turned into major motion pictures within a couple of years, including "Barefoot in the Park" (1967), "The Out-of-Towners" (1969), "The Sunshine Boys" (1975) and "California Suite" (1978). Simon also wrote his share of original screenplays, such as the mystery spoof "Murder By Death" (1976) and the charming romantic comedy "Seems Like Old Times" (1980), though it was largely his stage work that earned him his reputation.

  Perhaps his most enduring creation was "The Odd Couple," which was a play in 1965, a film in 1968 and a television show that ran five seasons starting in 1970, while over the decades popping up in other incarnations.

  In the 1980s, Simon began a series of semi-autobiographical coming-of-age plays focused on his alleged alter-ego, Eugene Jerome. Dubbed the Eugene Trilogy, the plays consisted of "Brighton Beach Memoirs" (1983), "Biloxi Blues" (1985) and "Broadway Bound" (1986), with the former two being turned into mildly successful feature films. After years as an unbridled hit maker, Simon earned the overwhelming respect of critics with "Lost in Yonkers" (1991), which earned him a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize for drama. Though his success tapered off in his later years, Simon remained the most important playwright of the latter-half of the 20th century. (from: bing.com/celebrities)

  Fleetwood Community Theatre (FCT) was founded in 1988 by local residents who loved the theatre. Their plan was to teach others about loving the theatre.  FCT is A Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization of theatre lovers currently in our 24th season. It is committed to the education and development of our membership within the theatre arts program by offering opportunities to all ages both on-stage and behind the scenes. It strives to be an outlet of quality musical, dramatic and ensemble productions. FCT encouraging & supporting local youth to pursue performing arts opportunities through school, church, collegiate or other local productions.