AUBURN — Ever since Neil Simon put “The Odd Couple” on Broadway in 1965, the names Felix and Oscar have been synonymous with neat-freak and slob. And, thanks to an iconic movie and 114 episodes on television, everyone recognizes the play’s trademark one-liners.

That’s what makes the current Community Little Theatre production a must-see event. Its excellent cast delivers a rapid-fire and right-on-the-nose staging that brings hilarious freshness to familiar material.

Director Mitchell Clyde Thomas has wisely chosen to incorporate echoes of the original versions. In tempo, sound and action, this show aims to satisfy an audience’s memories rather than attempting departures from a tried-and-true formula.

“The Odd Couple” marks Eric Brakey’s first CLT performance. His portrayal of Felix Ungar is outstanding. He has professional acting credits from New York City and a degree in theatre performance.

Completing “The Odd Couple” pairing is CLT veteran Roger Philippon as Oscar Madison. These two lead actors keep the laughs coming from beginning to end.

Supporting roles also call for sharp characterizations, and this cast handles the broad personality range of the poker players and the Pigeon sisters with skill.

Paul Menezes plays mild-mannered Vinnie and Jason Pelletier plays surly and sarcastic Speed, who is constantly throwing verbal jabs at Vinnie. Phil Vampatella portrays Murray, the cop, and Bernard E. Button is Roy, Oscar’s accountant.

It’s a diverse assortment of poker buddies who find themselves immersed in the domestic clash brought on by Felix moving in with Oscar when impending divorce tips Felix into neurotic turmoil. The friends’ reactions season the play’s flavor, sometimes with delicious subtlety and at other times with blunt honesty.

Each of these characters receives skillful treatment by the actors. Menezes makes amiable Vinnie the perfect foil for the harmless but relentless badgering by Pelletier’s character, Speed. Menezes has extensive credits in many area theatrical productions.

Pelletier has gained a solid CLT following in 12 years of dramatic and comedy performances.

Vampatella, another CLT veteran, imparts sincerity to Murray the cop, while maintaining good balance with the comedic features of the role.

Button also makes a CLT debut with his portrayal of Roy, the accountant with a sardonic wit and tolerant attitude to the craziness around him. He delivers a low-key and highly effective performance. Button has many acting credits in Texas before moving to Auburn a few years ago.

Cecily and Gwendolyn, the Pigeon sisters, are played with delicious British enthusiasm by Patricia A. Phillips and Andrea Quaid. Oscar iscompletely befuddled by their empathy for Felix’s vulnerability.

Thomas, the director, might also be called a comedic choreographer for this show. The success of “The Odd Couple” is achieved largely by his attention to detail in every movement around the stage, and every reaction to a line by each character. That’s essential for this play, because many audiences who are familiar with the movie and TV characters know exactly what is coming next. They know exactly what’s going the happen to that plate of spaghetti and, when Felix says, “In other words, you’re throwing me out,” they know Oscar will say, “Not in other words; those are the perfect ones.”

This CLT production offers a good chance to see flashes of the genius originally given to Neil Simon’s classic comedy by Jack Klugman and Tony Randall on TV, and by Walter Matthau (the original Oscar on Broadway) and Jack Lemon on the movie screen. Art Carney was the original Felix, and it’s easy to watch Brakey and imagine a young Carney in the role.

Remaining performances of “ The Odd Couple” are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 13-15 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at Great Falls Arts Center, 30 Academy St., Auburn. For tickets call the box office at 783-0958 or go online to www.laclt.com.

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