by Neil Simon

Directed by David Middleton

About the Play
Director's Notes

Because of the Broadway Play, Hollywood movie and subsequent TV series, Oscar Madison and Felix Unger have become an unforgettable part of American culture. However, I think Neil Simon’s gender-switching rewrite outshines the original male version in many ways. First of all, the characters of Olive and Florence are more fully developed with an expanded range of emotions. Also, the relationship of the group of friends that meet each week has been broadened to reveal more of each character and their fondness with each other.

 This play is a look at friendship and how, through friendship, we tolerate the eccentricities and foibles of those closest to us, It is very obvious that the group of women who meet each week do so not merely to play Trivial Pursuit, but to socialize and hang out with good friends. Isn’t it amazing how sincere friendship can withstand the verbal jabs, idiosyncratic behaviors, and contrasting lifestyles of all the people involved?

 This is the same sort of camaraderie that has developed during this production of The Odd Couple (Female Version). And, it shows. The cast & crew have been a delight to work with and I appreciate the time and incredible effort that all have spent to bring you this delightful show.

DAVID MIDDLETON (Director) – This is David’s third appearance as director at Francis Wilson Playhouse having directed two of last season’s productions: The Second Time Around and Monky Business. He won a 2006-7 LARY Award for his direction of Driving Miss Daisy (ICT). David also has been seen on stage here at FWP, at St. Pete Little Theatre, West Coast Players, Oakhurst Theatre Company and The Early Bird Dinner Theatre. He has directed for these local theatres as well as for corporate shows and sales presentation. David is semi-retired and, thoroughly enjoys his active participation in community theatre.

 Cast of Characters

(in order of appearance)

Sylvie.............................................................. Annie Bigley
Mickey.......................................................... Rita Kitenplon
Renee.............................................................. Elaine Coffin
Vera............................................................. Kimen Mitchell
Olive Madison..................................................... Val Sanford
Florence Unger............................................... Gail Eberhardt
Manolo Costazuela... ........................................... Bill Harber
Jesus Costazuela........................................... Michael Arnold

Meet the Cast

(in alphabetical order)

MICHAEL ARNOLD (Jesus Costazuela) – Michael has been in theatre for the last 10 years.   He is a two time LARY Award winner and has been in over forty plays and musicals. He is very pleased to have an opportunity to work with such a talented cast and director.
 

ANNIE BIGLEY (Sylvie) – Annie is pleased to be working with FWP again, having recently appeared as Jeanette in Last of the Red Hot Lovers and Mimsy in The Girls in 509 (LARY Nominee). She has also appeared locally in The Women (EOT) and A Doll’s House (Stage Agenda). To the cast and crew, break a leg. And thanks to all.  
 

ELAINE COFFIN (Renee) – Elaine, a community theatre veteran, last seen at FWP in Sunshine Boys, is so happy to be back in such a delightful production with such a great cast! Having performed in this show 15 years ago, she is grateful the plot is timeless. Thanks to David, and much love to Mario and the three cutest granddaughters in the world, - Ella, Wini, and Genevieve!

GAIL EBERHARDT (Florence Unger) – Gail is returning to the FWP stage after performing last year as Elaine Navazio in Last of the Red Hot Lovers. She was most recently seen in How The Other Half Loves (WCP). Gail worked for the Federal Government for 10 years as an Air Traffic Controller, she has lived in Florida for 13 years with her husband and three children. To the cast and crew, “Gracias”! She would like to thank everyone for coming out and the cast for being like a family to her.  She loves you all and will miss you!

BILL HARBER (Manolo Costazuela) – This is Bill’s second show at FWP. He finished last season for us as Francis X. Nella in The Girls in 509.   Bill works mostly at West Coast Players where he has appeared in several shows over the past 10 seasons and won a LARY Award for his work in their production of Bus Stop. Working with David, Cathy and the whole crew has been a rewarding experience! Bill thanks his wife, Karen, and his family for their support. During the day Bill performs at a local carpet store.

RITA KITENPLON (Mickey, the cop) - This marks Rita’s return to the stage after a long absence from “the boards”. Her last appearance on stage was as the Stage Manager in The Sunshine Boys where she really was the stage manager, back stage, as well. She wishes to offer her appreciation to law enforcement men & women everywhere who so unselfishly give of themselves to those in their community. Thanks...this one is for you.

KIMEN MITCHELL (Vera) – Kimen is making her debut appearance on the Francis Wilson stage. However, she is not a newcomer to the area theatre, having acted in almost twenty productions over the last 10 years. She won a LARY in 2004 for Best Actress in a Comedy for her performance in California Suite (WCP) where she portrayed Millie in The Man from Philadelphia segment. She has thoroughly enjoyed working on this hilarious Neil Simon comedy. Thanks to a great director, great cast and crew.

VAL SANFORD (Olive Madison) – Val last graced our stage in The Lion in Winter as Eleanor of Aquitaine. She is a current LARY Award nominee for her role of Ida, in The Cemetery Club (EOT). Other favorite roles include Guinevere in Camelot, Mama Rose in Gypsy, Abigail Adams in 1776, and Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly. A veteran actor of 30+ years, she shares her love of the stage with her actor/husband Stu, and thanks him for all of his love and support.

CATHERINE HUNT (Stage Manager) – This is Cathy’s first time working at Francis Wilson Playhouse. She has previously stage managed for SPLT’s productions of Broadway Bound and 70, Girls, 70. She has worked with lighting for Biloxi Blues (SPLT) and crewed for Wizard of Oz (SPLT). “Break a leg! – cast and crew”. Love to Mom & Dad. Thanks to my faithful attendees Frank, Bill, Joey, and John, my best friend.

 Scene:

Olive Madison’s loft-apartment, New York City

 Act One:
A hot summer’s night

 (15 minute intermission)

 Act Two:
Scene 1: Two weeks later, about 10pm
Scene 2: A few days later, early evening
Scene 3: Next evening about 7:30pm

 Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.