Garden City Community College (GCCC) will present “The Odd Couple: Female Version” by Neil Simon, directed by William Schlichter next month.
Performances will take place November 7–8 at 7:00 p.m. and November 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the KCB Bank Auditorium.
This retelling of Neil Simon’s classic comedy follows the contrasting duo of Florence Unger and Olive Madison.
Florence is a meticulous, rigid-minded woman whose life is defined by neatness and order. Olive, in stark contrast, is carefree and disorganized, living amid clutter and chaos. When Florence moves in with Olive, hilarity ensues as the pair navigate their clashing personalities, friendships, relationships, and their weekly game of Trivial Pursuit.
Cast of The Odd Couple: Female Version, include:
- Olive Madison: Sara McClure, GCCC staff member
- Florence Unger: Courtney Branham, Garden City community member
- Sylvie: Jessica Malin, Garden City community member
- Mickey: Zephyr Hernandez, Garden City High School junior
- Renee: Marsae Hanneman, Garden City High School junior
- Vera: Maribel Ayala, Garden City High School freshman
- Manolo Costazuela: James McGawan, Garden City community member
- Jesus Costazuela: Ashley Peitz, Garden City community member
Originally written in 1965, Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple has inspired numerous adaptations, including the 1968 film starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, the iconic 1970s television series, and multiple later renditions.
Simon created The Female Version in 1985, flipping the script to offer a fresh perspective on this beloved story. The Female Version premiered on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on June 11, 1985, directed by Gene Saks and starring Rita Moreno and Sally Struthers, alongside Marilyn Cooper, Kathleen Doyle, Jenny O’Hara, Tony Shalhoub, Lewis J. Stadlen, and Mary Louise Wilson.
“Challenging my actors’ abilities has always been a big part of my directing style,” said William Schlichter, show director. “The mix of comedy and life struggles the women face in this show will reveal just how talented this group is. You’re going to laugh with them, maybe cry, but you are going to laugh.”
Admission to the performances is $5 for adults (ages 13 and up), free for children (ages 12 and under), and complimentary for GCCC students and employees with a valid ID.
For more information or questions, contact Director William Schlichter, GCCC Associate Professor of English, at william.schlichter@gcccks.edu.
“The Odd Couple (Female Version)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
