Patt Ward Curtin, director at Watonga Community Theatre, is excited to finally bring Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple: Female Version back to our community. The show is a female take on the classic 60s version and will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 5 and 7 and at 2:30 p.m. on April 6 Simon’s play originally debuted on Broadway in 1985, and Curtin directed the comedy back in 1989 for WCT and for Muskogee Little Theatre in the early 90s.
She said, “I have wanted to do this classic comedy by Simon again for years. You must have the right cast, and I waited until I thought it would work. It’s timely, and Simon’s writing is spot on.”
Back in ’89, The Odd Couple featured Darla Owens Bierig (Olive), Jeanne Dobrinski (Florence), Marilyn Brickman Roberts Mackey (Mickey), Sandy Park (Sylvie), Jane Roach Crawford (Renee) and Margie Hursh (Vera).
Currently, WTC’s own Amy Adams (Olive
Hilarity ensues when Olive Madison and Florence Unger decide to room together in the Odd Couple: Female Version at WTC.
Madison) and Kim Coney (Florence Unger) deliver performances portraying the endearing but hilarious friend duo who navigate love and friendship in the early 1980s. Both women bring Simon’s clashing characters front and center.
Florence, played by Coney, is uptight, prissy and particular, while Olive, played by Adams, is laid back, messy and carefree. Their personalities conflict when they become roommates after Florence’s unfortunate break up with her longtime husband. Florence and Olive are joined weekly by their friends for Trivial Pursuit game night. Girlfriends Mickey (Chelsy Gassen), Renee (Corry Rogers), Vera (Karrie Beth Little), and Sylvie (Sondra Burch) enhance the laughter and the chaos throughout the show. Added to that are the Costazuela brothers, Manolo and Jesus, (Josh Cox and James O’Dell) who add even more satire as Florence and Olive’s neighbors turned love interests.
WCT would like to thank everyone who has helped make this show come to life, especially stage manager Kristin Brown Lockhart. Special thanks to the crew: Marie Tech, George Ann Bordelon, Sandra Hightower, Alexa Ivins Roane, Denise Green, Lisa Seitter, Mary Ann Teply, Katy Gilliland, Tara Cowan, Alaya Keierleber, Terri Sue Crawford and Lori Osmus. Also, director Patt Ward Curtin.
Join us for a night of laughter and entertainment as we celebrate the enduring power of female friendship!
Call the box office at 580-623-9666 to purchase tickets and reserve seating. The box office is open for members from 4-7 p.m. on April 3 . Non-members can call from 4-7 p.m. on April 4 and from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on April 5 and 7. They may also call from 12:30 p.m. on April 6.