A Conversation with Walt Pedano and J. Kevin Tallent, the Odd Couple at the Center of THE ODD COUPLE, at Desert Stages Theatre

Walt Pedano and J. Kevin Tallent in The Odd Couple at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
photo by Wade Moran

by Gil Benbrook

Walt Pedano and J. Kevin Tallent have appeared in dozens of shows at numerous theatres across the Valley. This weekend the two play the beloved pair of friends, Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison, in Neil Simon's hit comedy, The Odd Couple, that opens at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre tomorrow and runs through April 25.

Pedano and Tallent have appeared together in two other plays at Desert Stages, Glengarry Glen Ross and Death of a Salesman, but this is their first time appearing in a comedy together.

The two actors sat down during final rehearsals to answer some questions about the play, their characters, and their experiences working together

While The Odd Couple is a fairly famous play, for someone who has never heard of it what would you tell them it's about?

Pedano: "The Odd Couple is an hilarious early Neil Simon comedy (1968) about mismatched roommates, friendship, poker, divorces and an ill fated date."

Tallent: "It's about a  divorced, care-free slob, who has his whole life thrown into chaos, when  his very recently separated best friend, (and polar opposite) moves in with him."

What can you tell us about the character you play, and how similar to your own personality is he?

Pedano: "I play Felix Ungar a neat freak, hypochondriac who is recently separated from his wife and moves in with his best fiend Oscar. Problems arise because they are complete opposites in their behaviors.  (A common Simon vehicle)"

Tallent: "Oscar and I share a trait or two, we're both loyal, have a sense of humor, don't always think ahead, and, while not as bad as Oscar, I've been known to forgo dusting the apartment for several months at a time."

What were some of the challenges you found in creating your character?  

Pedano: "For the most part Felix is a bit of a stretch for me, but some things I can draw into the character of my own are my attention to details, my neatness and cleanliness in appearance and at home.  The challenges with Felix are maintaining his physicality traits. I am generally more of a  free moving person, less uptight as an actor. "

Tallent: "Most of the challenges were physical. Oscar's much louder than I am, so I felt sometimes all I did was shout, and he talks faster than I do."

J, Kevin Tallent and Walt Pedano (with Al Benneian)
in Death of a Salesman
photo by Wade Moran

You've both appeared on stage together before, including in Death of a Salesman and Glengarry Glen Ross, both at Desert Stages and both under director Virginia Olivieri who is also directing The Odd Couple. How has your dynamic in acting together on stage changed across these different shows and the different roles you've played, and what do you find that Olivieri has done to help with that dynamic?

Pedano: "Working with Kevin in multiple shows is always a pleasure. He is one of the best and most versatile actors I have worked with. His creativity forces me to stay focused and no matter what the role or scene he is always totally there. Virginia always does her homework before we ever begin rehearsals. She knows what her vision is and does a wonderful job of putting all her actors in a position for success. She steers us and allows us to grow into our characters."

Tallent: "The first show you're always looking to see how everybody works, but after that, I felt I could trust Walt whatever  came along. I think Virginia's casting ability helped cultivate that trust. She's got a real knack for finding the right people."

You have both appeared in numerous dramas and comedies, do you find it easier or harder to act in a comedy like The Odd Couple, and why?

Pedano: "I personally find comedy far more difficult than drama. In a drama I can just get immersed in a character and let the emotions carry me through. Live another’s life for a brief time. In comedy there are so many other concerns.  An example is holding for laughs, how long and will they be in the same places. This causes a someone staccato feeling for me pace wise. There are exaggerated movements and vocal needs to enhance the comedy. "

Tallent: "I find comedy harder to do, first, because it requires a good deal more energy and focus, and second, especially with Simon, you can't play for the laughs, it will kill the very thing you're trying to achieve."

What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing The Odd Couple at Desert Stages?

Pedano: "I hope people can come to Odd Couple and just laugh. It has been a very difficult year and we all need laughter to free our souls a little!"

Tallent: "I just want them to have a good time."

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs April 9-25