Students put a twist on the Broadway hit production, featuring an almost full female cast for Wesleyan's spring theatre production.
By Heather Templeton '10
Florence (left), played by Kimberly Sypniewski '11, and Olive
(right), played by Katie Zitz '11.
This spring, the Virginia Wesleyan College Theatre Department will put a twist on the Broadway hit production, The Odd Couple, when they perform the 1985 re-written show featuring an almost full female cast.
The production retains the story line of two best friends who move in together after failed relationships. The main characters, Florence and Olive, are the female versions of the original's Felix and Oscar, two mismatched roommates who are trying to share an apartment. The comedy premiers in the Hofheimer Theatre Wed., April 1, and runs through Sun., April 5, for a total of five performances.
"This production is a humorous look at relationships," said Director and Associate Professor of Theatre Dr. Sally Shedd. "There are differences, but some things are beautifully the same."
Shedd explains that sometimes the movies can make relationships and the connection between two people appear effortless, but in reality it is hard and stressful, and can be very funny. Neil Simon's play "celebrates" these female relationships, said Shedd.
"This play is the mere epitome of the idea that people who are friends should never move in with each other," said Kimberly Sypniewski '11 from Virginia Beach, Va., who plays Florence. "It's absolutely hilarious to see these two strong women cope with the flaws of one another that they would have never seen before."
Sypniewski describes her character Florence as "a worrisome hypochondriac who thinks the world is falling down around her." When Florence leaves her husband, she is taken in by Olive, played by Katie Zitz '11 from Alexandria, Va.
"Olive is a strong, independent woman who likes to go with the flow of the world around her. She needs to be needed, and can't stand too much order," said Zitz.
The female version of The Odd Couple will feature an almost completely full female cast. The script calls for two male roles; however, during auditions only one male tried out.
Instead of searching for another male, Shedd decided to cast Meghan See '11 from Louisa, Va., as Jesus Costazuela to play opposite Kyle Ulsh '11 from Chesapeake, Va., as the two Costazuela brothers that come for a double date with Florence and Olive.
"I'm looking forward to playing a male role because although I am a girl, the fact that I'll be playing a boy will just add to the hilarity," said See. "This is one of the roles that I'm most looking forward to playing on stage."
Shedd, Sypniewski, Zitz and See all agree that the play with be a laugh-out-loud kind of comedy for the audience.
"I feel like this is the kind of show that audiences will leave laughing and repeating the jokes over and over," said See.
"It will be a fun way to start the spring," said Shedd. "The audience should be prepared to laugh."
The Odd Couple will be performed April 1 – 4 at 8 p.m. and Apr. 5 at 2 p.m. in Virginia Wesleyan's Hofheimer Theatre. Admission is $10 for the general public; $5 for seniors and children and free to Virginia Wesleyan students, faculty and staff.
Reservations are strongly encouraged as shows sell out quickly. For reservations, call 757.455.3381.
Note: This play is intended for an adult audience and it may contain adult language and situations.
03.18.09