Fraser Valley Stage presents Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple – Female Version as its fall showcase in Abbotsford, starting Oct. 25.
First appearing on Broadway in 1985, The Odd Couple has become a contemporary comic classic across North America. Folks familiar with the male version are in for a treat with this female-driven comedic play.
The twist is the gender swap. Instead of a group of male friends gathering to play poker, Florence Unger and Olive Madison are joined by their dynamic group of gal pals for a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.
Neurotic and traditional, Florence clashes with the laidback and impossibly messy Olive as they navigate their friendship with opposing quirks and sensibilities. When the Costazuela brothers visit, hilarity ensues. Do opposites attract or wreak havoc?
The play takes a trip back to the 1980s, and the decor and costumes reflect this vibrant decade.
Director Marie Hooper notes that for herself and many in the audience, this time and place feels like yesterday.
“It was a time before cellphones and technology dominated our lives – when getting together with friends to laugh and talk was a normal pastime,” Hooper said.
“Flipping the coin on Simon’s original male-dominated comedy just enforces how similar men and women really are.”
Cast in the lead roles are Melissa Franson as Olive and Kelly Shackleford as Florence.
Their friends are played by Tasha Mash (Mickey), Brittany McNamee (Renee), Kathryn Ferguson (Sylvie) and Maureen Keyes (Vera), while Wyatt Janzen and Aidan MacDonald are the good-looking Spanish brothers Jesus and Manolo Costazuela who come for an evening.
“Audiences are sure to see similarities with their own friendships while watching the diverse group of strong women portray a multitude of clashing – and sometimes complementary – bonds,” Hooper said.
The universality of wanting to be seen and understood is a theme that runs throughout the show.
Hooper invites the audience to come to the show for the "wild fashion, many laughs, and to be thoroughly entertained while being unplugged."
The Odd Couple – Female Version plays for eight performances from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre's Community Arts Addition at 2329 Crescent Way.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. with weekend matinees at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are general seating at a cost of $32 for adults and $28 for seniors/students (plus service fees) at fraservalleystage.com.
For special group rates, call the box office at 778-780-2555.
