Thursday Mar 24 2011
An ‘Odd’ friendship
Placer Community Theater presents Neil Simon comedy
It’s easy to get to know someone a bit too well when living under the same roof.
Anyone who has a roommate story, whether horrific or hilarious — or a little bit of both — should consider checking out Placer Community Theater’s production of the female version of “The Odd Couple,” which opens Saturday at the State Theater in Auburn.
“I think at some point in time we’ve all been in a situation, whether it’s a roommate or a significant other, when you realize there’s a lot of differences in people,” said director Kelly Thomasson. “Anyone who’s had to deal with someone living in their space will identify with this show.”
Playwright Neil Simon revised his original 1965 Broadway play for a female cast in 1985. The mismatched friends-turned-roommates Felix Ungar and Oliver Madison have become Florence Ungar and Olive Madison, portrayed in this local production by Connie Holt and Mary Jane Mahoney.
Olive, a “successful producer who lives a very casual, sloppy lifestyle at home,” takes Florence in after she and her husband split, said Mahoney.
“Florence is the neat, neurotic, melodramatic, hypochondriac friend who is the opposite of her friend Olive,” Holt said of her character.
Thomasson said the “Odd Couple” is funny no matter the gender of the show’s main characters.
“It’s definitely hilarious and it seems like it’s not about the gender, it’s about the role,” she said.
The show is also sure to speak to everyone, no matter the gender.
“The guys I worry will think it’s only a show women will identify with,” Thomasson said. “It’s a pretty cool show for both sexes.”
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In the know
What: Female version of “The Odd Couple,” presented by Placer Community Theater
Background: Playwright Neil Simon revised his legendary “The Odd Couple”
for a female cast in 1985
When: 8 p.m. March 26 and April 1-2; 2 p.m. March 27 and April 3
Where: Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center/State Theatre, 985 Lincoln Way, Auburn
Cost: $17-$20; buy tickets at brownpapertickets.com or at the door
Info: placercommunitytheater.org