The Odd Couple
The Odd Couple
Article in Newshearld
The Fairport Harbor Schools Theatre Department will be performing the classic Neil Simon comedy “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” Nov. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Branthoover Auditorium at Fairport Harding High School.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students on a first-come, first-serve basis. The show is rated PG and runs approximately 2 hours. Doors open one hour before show time and seating begins 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.
“I wanted to perform a classic comedy as a tribute to Simon who sadly passed away this summer,” says director Johnathan Luster. “Working in a smaller district and with a predominantly female theater department, it was fortunate Neil Simon created a female version of this beloved play. It’s a natural fit for the cast and a lot of fun to perform.”
In Simon’s “Female” version, Felix Unger and Oscar Madison are at it again, but with a bit of a twist. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version of the play, the roles are changed. Ms. Olive Madison invites the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit and the comedy ensues when Florence Unger arrives on the scene.
“The characters may have changed,” Luster says, “but the laughter remains the same."
Making things even more interesting, Olive and Florence will be played by sisters Victoria Palmer, a senior, and Gabrielle Palmer, a junior. Both girls have grown up on the FHS stage since middle school.
“Playing the role of the messy, laid-back New Yorker opposite Gabby, who plays an uptight and neurotic neat freak, is a dream come true,” Victoria says. “Not many people get to share the stage with family and play such amazing roles.”
“We have been blessed with amazing directors and opportunities through FHS Theater and we are having a lot of fun,” Gabby says. “I am going to miss this senior class and performing with my sister.”
“Seniors Amanda Kazsmer, Breanna Cremeans, Mason Conn and set designer Nick Fazekas will also be giving one of their final performances,” Luster says. “This tight-knit theater family will share many laughs and tears when it’s all over. We hope you will join the cast and crew for this light-hearted comedy.”
