Neil Simon’s classic play “The Odd Couple” could serve as a metaphor for all human relations, in which an entirely mismatched pair are — due to heartbreak, upheaval, compassion, and friendship — thrust together, and despite their clashing personalities, learn to live together — and in a way, see themselves reflected in each other.
Simon’s original version of “The Odd Couple” premiered in 1965, featuring a sloppy sportswriter and an ultra-neat photographer, Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, and a colourful supporting cast of friends. In the early 1980s, Simon updated his show by making the leads women named Olive and Florence. The story features the basic concept but swaps out the famous poker game with an ongoing Trivia Pursuit contest.
During a Trivial Pursuit session at Olive’s apartment, Florence Unger arrives after being dumped by her husband. Seeing as how Florence is in great distress, Olive invites her to stay on as her roommate. Olive is sloppy and disorganized, Florence is obsessively neat. Never the twain shall meet — especially when Olive invites the two French brothers from the upstairs apartment over for dinner.
Wild Theatre’s “The Odd Couple” (the female version) serves as a bright mirror of the original version, of the two main characters, and of ourselves.
The cast: Kailyn “Kenny” Rohrig is Olivia, Falyne Hauprich plays Florence; Charlee Organ is Sylvee; Avery Tomlin-Banks is Mickey; Kate McInnes is Renee; Edison Willmot plays Vera; Hudson Gross is Manolo (Manny); and Finn McBurney plays Jésus (Jesse). Emily McCue is director.
“The Odd Couple” is at the Key City Theatre opening Thursday, Dec. 7 (7 pm), and running Friday (7 pm), Saturday (7 pm), and Sunday (3 pm).
Photos by Barry Coulter
