Hello all.

I'm directing BitP soon and I have seen one production, years ago, where they pronounced Ouzo as "oooo-zoo." It got under my skin, having been to Greece twice before and yes, having experienced ouzo. I'm reading the script and there it is, spelled Uzu.

I have done lots of research and have come to two different conclusions and need opinions:

1. Neil Simon, for some reason, spelled it incorrectly and we do pronounce it as it is, Ouzo. (oo- zoh) There is no mistaking what it is, because Velasco says it's a Greek liquer, and you don't get headaches but you can't make a fist for 3 days (very, very true my friends).

2. Velasco thinks he knows all but is misprouncing it. When Corie calls it Zuzu, he corrects her misprouncation with another misprouncation, thus showing us that a lot of him is all an act.

While number 2 is funnier, I think it will take an incredible actor to be able to translate it to the audience. I think there are going to be other people in the audience thinking we are all idiots because we can't prounce Ouzo correctly.

Any thoughts?

I have just watched that scene on YouTube from several theatres, they all seem to pronounce it wrong. Probably on purpose. that will be something I'll have to think about!

Now, Italian accent for Victor Velasco or no accent? I've seen it both ways...it's these little things I want to get out of the way so I can settle on one idea before we start! :)

thanks, everyone. I think it would be funny to do any sort of non-descript accent, depending on the actor cast. I have seen it with none at all, as in the revival that was recently on B'way, or with one...so we'll play with it and go with what works for him.

Thanks so much for the input, you guys rock!