By Charlotte K. Jarmy

Theater review

The great wit and humor of Neil Simon is alive and well in Bus Barn Stage Company’s production of “The Odd Couple.”

What has helped its survival is the understanding Simon has of human frailty and his ability to zero in on character so aptly that we recognize ourselves, our friends and familiar fictional protagonists.

The juxtaposition of opposites, with slob Oscar and clean freak Felix, leads to uproarious situations, no matter how many times we have seen the play or movie. Bus Barn is lucky to have outstanding actors playing the roles: James Amato as Oscar Madison, with his self-confident strut and brash manner, up against Craig C. Lewis as shy, whining Felix Unger, who practically dances around the set wielding spray cans of germ killers. Each actor realizes he must exaggerate his mannerisms to develop the inevitable conflict between such extremes.

Director Hunt Burdick seems to have let the actors use their skills to bring the audience along from laughter to sympathy for the journey each man takes to accept idiosyncrasies of a close friend. When Felix’s wife throws him out, his misery worries his poker-playing friends. Although the friends worry Felix will commit suicide, Oscar says, “He even wears a seat belt in a drive-in movie.” However, Oscar finally insists that Felix move in with him. The expected happens.

It takes the entire intermission for the stage crew to clean up Oscar’s pre-Felix apartment, with clothes strewn about and popcorn on the floor. The pristine set reveals new situations, but it also reveals Oscar’s growing irritation as Felix cleans, cooks and plans their lives.

Amato’s ability to bounce around the room, throw his leg over a chair or walk around in his underwear shows his understanding of Oscar’s vitality and masculinity as he and Felix prepare to entertain two English girls. By contrast, Lewis preparing the perfect dinner dressed in a tux tickles the funny bone. The ditsy and sexy sisters are played by Carrie Madsen Olson and Deborah Anderson. Their reaction to Felix creates another reason for Oscar to show his resentment.

The poker group learns to enjoy Felix’s wonderful culinary skills and tolerates his fussiness, but Amato begins the slide to total frustration and anger. The two men shift positions, both without their angry wives. Simon shows the relationship changing as Felix demands that Oscar call when he’s coming home late.

While marvelously funny with the one-liners Simon is famous for, the play also shows human pathos as the men seek to restore their damaged friendship.

The supporting cast does just that: with attention to ensemble comedy, they help Amato and Lewis create a small world on the tiny set. The also give the audience the delight of laughter and the healing gift of friendship.

“The Odd Couple” runs through June 9 at Bus Barn Theater, Los Altos. For tickets and information call, 941-0551.