Photography by Terry Mayer

When compulsive neatnik Felix Unger (senior Merle Hansen) is thrown out of his house by his divorce-bound wife, he ends up in the home of his divorced, broke and sloppy friend Oscar Madison (senior Michael Fell).  It doesn’t take long before Felix’s obsession with cleanliness and Oscar’s slovenliness leads this mismatched pair to the point of insanity.  Performed first on Broadway and then adapted for the TV sitcom starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman, the Odd Couple is allegedly based on a chapter in the life of playwright Neil Simon’s brother.

The D-DHS performance features the relative newcomer Merle Hansen who previously had starring roles in Anything Goes and In a Strange Land. Also a celebrated Forensics member, Merle received third place in the State Forensics tournament in 2009 with a play acting performance with Joleen Millard.  Merle joined drama during his junior year after prolonged convincing from his costar Michael Fell.  If you have seen any of the DDHS performances during the past four-years, you are sure to recognize Michael, who has appeared in starring roles since his Freshman year including BJ Gibson in 1940’s Radio Hour, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors and as himself in Literary Cannon Fodder. 

The cast is rounded out with other senior Thespians including Pat Johnson, who you may recognize as Jacob from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat playing the part of Murray the Cop.  Vinnie is played by Zach Peterson, previously seen as Officer ____ in Arsenic and Old Lace, Jake Drefs, formerly featured as Elijah Whitney playing Roy, and another star from Anything Goes, Kevin Tully playing the wise-cracking Speed.  Juniors Josie Palmer and Carolyn Christianson, the coo-coo Pigeon sisters will also be familiar having seen both ladies as Anything Goes leads, Reno Sweney and Hope Harcourt respectively.

Performances are May 29th at 7pm and Saturday May 30th at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.  General admission tickets are available at the door, or you can reserve a ticket by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Cast List
Felix Ungar- Merle Hansen
Oscar Madison- Michael Fell       
Vinnie- Zach Peterson
Speed- Kevin Tully
Murry- Pat Johnson
Roy- Jake Drefs
Gwendolyn Pigeon- Josie Palmer
Cecily Pigeon- Carolyn Christianson

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