Winton, Whittaker Star in THE ODD COUPLE at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre

Derek Whittaker and Charlie Winton star as Oscar Madison and Felix Unger in Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre's production of The Odd Couple, the timeless Neil Simon comedy opening Thursday, July 12, and continuing through August 19.

Oscar and Felix–the now legendary pair of desperately mismatched roommates-may be the most memorable characters created by Simon: Felix Ungar is a neurotic fusspot of a newswriter, while Oscar Madison is a sloppy and slovenly sportswriter.

This comedy classic is directed by Martha Wilkinson, Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre's artistic director. Wilkinson is a nine time First Night award winning actress for her work in musical theatre. She was selected by the Tennessean and the Nashville Scene as best sctress for her work as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. She was also selected by Nashville Scene's "Best of..." as part of 2011's best ensemble performance for Tennessee Rep's The 39 Steps.

Wilkinson brings with her over 25 years of professional experience in performance and directing. Wilkinson received her training from Berry College, North Carolina School Of The Arts and The ALLIANCE THEATRE in Atlanta. She has performed locally with Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre, Nashville Children's Theatre, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Mockingbird Public Theatre, Tennessee Shakespeare Festival and Nashville Shakespeare Festival. She has directed locally for People's Branch, Community Spirit, Inc. and most recently directed Avenue Q for Street Theatre Company.

The cast of The Odd Couple includes: Jeremy Maxwell, Lane Wright, Daniel Bissell, Alan Smith with Mia Rose Ernst and Jennifer Richmond as the "Pigeon Sisters" and starring Charlie Winton as Felix and Derek Whittaker as Oscar.

For reservations, call (615) 646-9977. The opening night gala, which includes champagne and special appetizers, is set for Thursday evening, July 12.

Performances are schedule Thursday through Sunday, with matinees on Thursday (house opens at 11 a.m., with the show at noon; tickets are $19 bring-your-own-lunch with beverages provided or you may add a Chaffin's boxed lunch when you make your reservation for an additional $8.50). Evening performances are presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with the buffet opening at 6 p.m. and an 8 p.m. curtain. Sunday matinees include the buffet served from noon to 1:30 p.m., with the show starting at 2 p.m.

Tickets for all evening shows and Sunday matinees are $60 adult; $58 for seniors 65 and up; $45 for students aged 13-18; and children 12 and under are $35. Show-only tickets are $40 for adults; $30 for children 12 and under; and $35 for students (all prices include coffee, tea, soft drinks and taxes).

Jeffrey Ellis is a Nashville-based writer, editor and critic, who's been covering the performing arts in Tennessee for more than 25 years. He is the recipient of the Tennessee Theatre Association's Distinguished Service Award for his coverage of theatre in the Volunteer State and was the founding editor/publisher of Stages, the Tennessee Onstage Monthly. He is a past fellow of the National Critics Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center and is the founder/executive producer of The First Night Honors, held during Labor Day Weekend, which honor oustanding theater artists in Tennessee in recognition of their lifetime achievements and includes The First Night Star Awards and the Most Promising Actors. Midwinter's First Night, held the first Sunday in January after New Year's Day, honors outstanding productions and performances throughout the state. Further, Ellis directed the Nashville premiere of La Cage Aux Folles, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and An American Daughter, as well as award-winning productions of Damn Yankees, Company, Gypsy and The Rocky Horror Show, with Ellis honored by The Tennessean as best director of a musical for both Company and Rocky Horror.

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