A comedic ‘female version’ of a classic play by Neil Simon will be staged by Highlands-based thespians over the next three weekends.
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In a directing debut for Steven Clancy, the Highlands Theatre Group will perform ‘The Odd Couple’ – a “wonderful, timeless piece” that explores the delights and the complexities of female friendship.
Originally written by Neil Simon in the 1960s, The Odd Couple was based on the dysfunctional relationship between two mismatched male roommates.
Re-written by Simon in 1985, the revised version of the play sees this dysfunctional dynamic played out between two newly-divorced women who decide to share an apartment.
Director Steven Clancy said the production is a hilarious take on “the story about the slob and the house cleaner trying to live together.”
“It explores friendship and boundary-pushing,” he said.
“It’s about how we can get on each other’s nerves and still relate to one another.”
“I’ve always loved the play, it’s a great comedy piece and a lot the themes in it are timeless.”
The Highlands Theatre Group are re-visiting the familiar tale after having performed the original variant of the The Odd Couple in the 1990s.
“I though it was time to re-visit it again,” Mr Clancy said. “And I decided to do the female version because I like the idea of bringing those themes to a female perspective.”
The performance stars Olive, the slob, who is played by Rhianna Clamp, and Florence, the meticulous clean-freak, played by Ebony Hope.
There are six more in the cast – four more females and two males, who range in age from mid-20s to late 50s – who have been rehearsing since August.
“The cast have really made it quite an easy production to put together,” Mr Clancy said.
“I think that this particular play, no matter when you see it or who is staging it, will resonate with everyone.”
The Odd Couple will be staged at Mittagong Playhouse over three consecutive weekends in November, starting Friday, November 11. Opening night tickets are on special for $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.
The theatre group also have an arrangement with Italian restaurant Esco Pazzo, which has offered anyone who attends the show a buy-one-get-one-free meal deal.
