Latest news with #TheOddCouple
Edmonton Journal
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Review: A brilliant pair of performances shine in Teatro's The Odd Couple
One's messy while the other is tidy. One's bad with money, while the other has a keen eye for budgeting. One is loud and outspoken while the other is neurotic and demure. They are The Odd Couple. Article content It's both the final Teatro Live! production of the year, and the smash Broadway hit turned 1968 Hollywood classic starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Thankfully, the new show navigates around the dated jokes, steers clear of cliches and comes through with a fresh and hilarious look at the lives of a pair of divorcees. Article content Article content The setting is New York in 1965, a time when a pair of grown men living together would have been seen as odd. Oscar, living on his own while his ex-wife has decamped to California with their children, hosts the Friday night poker game in his empty eight-bedroom apartment. Article content Article content Felix is late, uncharacteristic for their normally punctual and uptight friend. It turns out he has separated from his wife of 12 years, and after consoling him and calming him down, Oscar agrees to give him a place to stay. Article content It doesn't take long for the friction between the neat and tidy Felix to grate against the carefree and slovenly Oscar. Felix is constantly cleaning, picking up, tidying and generally making a nuisance of himself. Oscar doesn't care about the little details, about bills, about alimony payments to his wife, about how dinner is made. 'Spoon? You ignoramus, it's a ladle!' Felix shouts at him after a disagreement about dinner and cooking utensils. Article content Article content Alexander Ariate has incredible stage presence as Felix Unger, a thousand-watt smile lighting up the stage when he's happy and his frustration bursting out when things go south. He takes on a slight accent for the role, mild enough that it remains charming throughout. Think Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise. Article content Article content Andrew MacDonald-Smith plays his opposite, the ever tidy and uptight Felix Unger. He puts on a veritable clinic of slapstick comedy, nailing comedic timings and able to pull a laugh with just an expression. Article content The entire cast is great, from Kristin Johnston and Jenny McKillop as the sultry Pigeon sisters to the great group of supporting poker buddies of Mat Busby, Oscar Derkx, Bernardo Pacheco and Garrett Ross. But Ariate and MacDonald-Smith have done such an incredible job with their roles that they challenge even the greats of Lemmon and Matthau. I'd love to see this pair remake Grumpy Old Men.
Otago Daily Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
The ‘Odd Couple's' new era
Queenstown's 'Odd Couple' are back at it. Longtime local broadcasters Craig 'Ferg' Ferguson and Grant Stewart tomorrow launch their new podcast, 'Ferg and Grant, Rated FnG'. Ferguson admits he'd never contemplated a podcast before, and hasn't spent a huge amount of time listening to them, but when things changed for him last year many people encouraged him to have a crack at it. "I realised Grant ... needed to be a part of it, but I didn't think we could create what we did with The Odd Couple, because we'd be cancelled straight away," he laughs. The pair's long-running breakfast show on Q92FM was the brainchild of the late Chas Drader. "It was madness — it was radio, I think, like no one else could do. "I was the married man with two young kids, and he was the reprobate who was, and still is to this day, a teenager with incredible wit and creative skills." Ferguson and Stewart actually met "way back in the early days ... pouring grog at Skyline". "We used to do things behind the bar with broomsticks, and out on the dancefloor with [the late] Kevin Lynch when he was entertaining. "We just seemed to have those natural synergies that I thought was good for a breakfast show ... since then, we've remained really good mates. "We had a conversation [about a podcast], and as you can expect, he was dead keen. "We've just slowly put the pieces together and got ourselves to the point of having our first episode coming out [tomorrow]." It's new territory for both of them, particularly given they're recording from separate studios, Ferguson based in Queenstown and Stewart at his Pisa Moorings pad, and beaming in their guests. They're indebted to SB Technologies, a former Queenstown company now based in Dunedin, and their "very young producer", Charlotte. "We'll explain more about her as time marches on, but she's done an amazing job taking us old geriatrics into the modern technology world ... and she's got a role to play in each episode as well." Ferguson says their content will be king, with an overall aim of supporting the wider Central Otago communities, "in a modern world podcast". General feedback's inspired the direction of the podcast — "no clickbait", and positive stories. And while he reckons it'll take a little bit for the pair to get into their groove, just like The Odd Couple, they'll build as they go. "Who knows where it'll lead — it might be a fizzer," he quips. Or, it could be award-winning, though, as a promo on the website states, "we've won no awards". Ferguson's expecting to drop a new episode every week — people can stay informed via the Facebook page 'Rated FnG' or the Instagram page @rated-fng. The free podcast's available to listen to via Introducing The Yack Shack Two of Queenstown's verbal virtuosos are about to teach their tricks of the trade. Mic magician Craig 'Ferg' Ferguson, a longtime local broadcaster and Queenstown councillor, and chatter champion Brendan 'Quilly' Quill, a Colliers realtor and auctioneer, have spent years fronting various events all across the country. They're now combining forces for 'The Yack Shack', a six-week course designed to boost confidence in public speaking. Starting July 24, at Te Atamira, the course promises to help participants find their flow and learn how to run the show. Ferguson says the idea was sparked by a work colleague, who lacked confidence in public speaking. "I knew this one [to work with me] had to be Quilly. "We just feel we've got a lot to offer in making people feel comfortable about public speaking, and that can range from kids to school teachers, to real estate agents, to corporates, to people who want to stand up at their friend's wedding. "Yes, we do a lot together, but we attack our roles differently ... so it's sharing and trying to encourage people to have confidence." The total cost is $330, plus booking fee — to find out more, or book, see
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dick Van Dyke pulls out of Malibu comedy event last minute: Here's why
Dick Van Dyke, 99, had to miss a public appearance over the weekend due to illness. He was scheduled to co-host 'Vandy Camp' at the Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theater in Malibu on June 28. The event was expected to be a light-hearted gathering celebrating comedy and community. However, as People reported, Van Dyke had to bow out at the last minute. His wife, Arlene Silver, 53, addressed the audience at the event. She informed them that the beloved actor wasn't feeling well enough to attend. Dick Van Dyke missed the 'Vandy Camp' event due to illness, as confirmed by his wife Arlene Silver. (Photo by Amy Sussman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 'I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I'm sorry. When you're 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days,' she said. Despite his absence, she added she was hopeful about the future. 'I'm pretty confident Dick will be at the next Vandy Camp,' she said. Van Dyke's health concerns and cancelled events Van Dyke's health has kept him from public events before. In September 2024, he was scheduled to attend FanX in Salt Lake City. But just before the event, organizers released a statement: 'We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX. He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him, but at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time,' US Weekly reported. That same sentiment has been echoed by Silver during previous events. Speaking to fans earlier this year, she said Van Dyke's longevity comes with emotional challenges. Van Dyke reflects on his old age Van Dyke has reflected openly on the downside of growing older. He once told fans he had hoped to remake The Odd Couple with his late friend Ed Asner. 'That would've been such fun, and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends,' he said. Silver added that her husband had 'outlived everybody' he once knew. 'That's the curse of living to almost 100,' she remarked. Still, Van Dyke hasn't lost his sense of humor. Ahead of his 99th birthday in December 2024, he joked to Page Six, saying he was 'praying I make it.' To mark his milestone birthday, Van Dyke appeared in a Coldplay music video for 'All My Love.' The video was shot at his Malibu home. Speaking to the BBC, he said, 'I'm acutely aware that I could go any day now, but I don't know why it doesn't concern me. I'm not afraid of it. I have the feeling that I'm gonna be alright.' ALSO READ: Dick Van Dyke, 98, is thankful he 'won't be around' to 'experience' four years of Trump administration FAQs Why did Dick Van Dyke miss the Malibu event? He was unwell and unable to attend due to illness. What did Arlene Silver say about his health? She told fans, 'You have good days and bad days.' Did Van Dyke attend FanX 2024? No, he also had to cancel due to travel being too demanding. How did Van Dyke mark his 99th birthday? He appeared in a Coldplay music video filmed at his Malibu home.
Metro
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Iconic star, 99, sparks concern after dropping out of event last-minute due to i
Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke has sparked health concerns after he dropped out of a fundraising event at the last minute. The 99-year-old star of stage and screen was scheduled to appear at his musical fundraiser Vandy Camp on Saturday, along with wife and co-host Arlene Silver. Hosted by the pair, the event is described as a 'whimsical, vintage circus experience,' with a focus on community and togetherness. However, he was a no-show at this weekend's event, with Arlene, 53, taking to the stage in his absence to explain that he was not 'having a good day.' Appearing at the Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theatre at Malibu High school, Alrene joked that she was 'not the Van Dyke you're expecting.' She then broke the news to attendees that her husband wouldn't be joining them all, saying: 'I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I'm sorry.' As reported by People, Arlene revealed that her soon-to-be 100-year-old husband was suffering a 'bad day,' hence the no-show. 'When you're 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days…' she began. 'And unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he's sick that he can't be here.' The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star did, however, make an appearance via livestream ahead of reassurances that he would attend the next Vandy Camp in person. Ahead of his 100th birthday this December, Dick opened up about the 'curse' of living to such an advanced age. Reflecting on his life and career in showbusiness, Dick explained that he was explained that he was set to team up with Ed Asher for a remake of beloved sitcom The Odd Couple. However, Ed died in 2021, at the age of 91, before they could begin work on the project. 'That would've been such fun, and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends,' he said at a Vandy Camp event earlier this year. 'He's outlived everybody,' noted Arlene 'That's the curse of living to almost 100.' However, the Diagnosis Murder actor keeps a positive outlook on life, saying: 'Well, life's been good to me. I can't complain.' Speaking to People Magazine, he spoke of why he kept working, eight decades after he first made his showbusiness debut. 'I'm a ham,' he admitted. 'I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience.' Dick's gargantuan career has earned him four Emmys, a Tony for Bye Bye Birdy, and a Grammy award for his work on the Mary Poppins soundtrack with Julie Andrews. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Television Hall Of Fame in 1995. Only last year, he made history by becoming the oldest ever Daytime Emmy winner – taking home the gong for his guest spot on Days of Our Lives, aged 98. More Trending For a brief run of episodes, he played amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux – agreeing to appear on the long-running American soap opera after a friend suggested he should take part. 'I said great and it snowballed into this,' the star quipped at the award ceremony, while performing a jig with his newly acquired hardware. 'I'm 98 years old. Can you believe it?' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: John Travolta reprises iconic Grease role 46 years after the original MORE: Who's who at Jeff Bezos's $10,000,000 wedding as A-list guests 'descend on Venice' MORE: Justin Bieber changes his name in bizarre move on Instagram
Daily Mirror
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Concerns for Dick Van Dyke, 99, as Hollywood legend drops out of event
Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke will turn 100 in December but he is still working and says that and going to the gym keeps him young Dick Van Dyke had to drop out of a event last minute, sparking concerns from fans. The 99-year-old was due to host a music fundraising event in Malibu on Saturday. But his 53-year-old wife Arlene Silver was forced to step in when her husband - star of legendary films like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - could not attend due to illness. Addressing the audience Arlene said she was 'not the Van Dyke you were expecting'. She went on to say that Dick - who will turn 100 on December 13 - was not having a good day. Offering her apologies, Arlene explained: ''I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I'm sorry. 'When you're 99-and-a-half years old, you have good days and bad days. And unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he's sick that he can't be here.' READ MORE: Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke shares his secret to staying youthful at 99 It comes weeks after the Hollywood icon - who is still working - revealed the curse of what living to almost 100 is. In a recent Q& A with fans, the nonagenarian said that although "life's been good to me" the sad thing about living to the age he has is losing his loved ones, particularly his peers. He revealed how he and good friend Ed Asner were set to do a remake of the 1970s American sitcom The Odd Couple before Ed's death at the age of 91 in August 2021. Dick said: "That would have been such fun - and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends." His wife Arlene previously said: "He's outlived everybody. That's the curse of living to 100." Asked what the secret to a long life is, Dick said his work and continuing to perform keeps him young because it "energises" him - as well as regularly working out. Sharing his secrets to staying youthful as he approaches his centenary, Dick shared he follows a strict regime of regular workouts. He likes to workout for an hour, swim laps in the pool, then take a nap at home. And, his famous all-singing and all-dancing act even shines through at the gym - because he 'literally' dances between weight machines instead of walking. He said: "I've always exercised. Three days a week we go to the gym, still. Three days a week. And I think that's it - why I'm not stove up like my equals." Fellow actor Ted Danson, 77, who is known for Cheers and more recently in Netflix series A Man on the Inside, recalled seeing Dick at the gym in Malibu. He shared: "If I got there early enough I would see you literally workout on some weight machine and then - almost like you were doing circuit training - you would not walk to the next machine, but dance. You literally danced to the next machine and I watched that for a couple of weeks." His wife Arlene said: "He still does that." Despite his age, Dick still regularly performs with his musical group, barbershop quartet The Vantastix and says still working also keeps him youthful. He said: "I'm a ham. I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience." And though he's been in some of the best musicals ever made, Dick says he's not really a singer. Opening up on what it was like to work with co-star Dame Julie Andrews, 89, in the classic 1964 film Mary Poppins, he shared: "I'm not a real singer, so I tend to be under, fighting to get up there and sing on top of the note. Just took me forever in the recording. "Julie was just patient as could be and kept helping me, saying, 'Think high. Think up there.' And it turned out great. She was wonderful. We had a wonderful time together."
