THE ODD COUPLE (Female Version) – Written by Neil Simon; Directed by Warren Sherrill. Produced by Miners Alley Playhouse (1100 Miners Alley, Golden) through March 8th. Tickets available at 303-935-3044 or minersalley.com.
THE ODD COUPLE is part of the consciousness of nearly everyone born from 1950 through today. The comedy pairing of mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix has been played endlessly since the original production in 1965, with a premiere cast of Walter Matthau and Art Carney. A movie followed in 1968, which allowed Matthau to repeat his role as Oscar and be joined by Jack Lemmon as Felix. A Black version was also released that year, with the female version following in 1985. The Broadway production of the latter version featured Sally Struthers and Rita Moreno. And the ubiquitous TV version ran from 1970 to 1975. As well as revivals and local productions being repeated endlessly to this very time. This is one of the most popular and most produced of Neil Simon’s 49 scripts.
It only follows that Miners Alley, which specializes in heartfelt comedies, would choose to do their own version at some point in time – this one utilizing two of the most talented actresses in Denver, Emma Messenger and Sheryl McCallum. Those names alone would pull audiences to this production – with good reason. Both of these ladies have comic timing down to a fine art; are capable of portraying every emotion from terror to tears, from cute to comic; and approach each role with curiosity and commitment. They are both a delight to watch, no matter the role.
Sheryl plays the confident but frustrated Olive, who cares not for the cleanliness of their shared apartment. She just wants a little action. Her matter-of-fact declaration of her intentions would startle the most secure of roommates, which Emma, as the newly separated Florence, is not. Most of us like a clean house and an orderly meal, but Flo’s constant dusting and serving would drive a saint up the wall. A saint, Olive ain’t.
The big date set up with the Costazuela Brothers from upstairs, the screamingly funny Josh Levy and Damon Guerrasio, is one of the funniest scenes ever written. The evolution of a flirty “Get to Know You” conversation to a crying session over lost loves is a wonder to behold. The machinations between the two women eventually result in all-out war, but they are both too nice to let it go on too long. This is a sweet and extremely funny version of a familiar story.
The backup crew brings fun to the table as well. The game that brings these gal pals together is a Friday night attempt at Trivial Pursuit. Adrian Egolf, Annie Dwyer, Candace Orrino, and Dana Hart Wright fill out the guest list with loving care for their friends and smart-ass remarks about everything else.
It seems impossible to imagine, but Miners Alley is doing two plays in rep, which includes changing both complete sets back and forth between performances. Who do they think they are – Creede?? But both shows deserve your attention. In addition to this version of ODD COUPLE, they are also giving a Colorado premiere to another Paul Stroli script, after the successful run of JUKE BOX FOR THE ALGONQUIN last year. This one is MY MOTHER AND THE MICHIGAN/OHIO WAR which is about “family, football, and the fight for the Toledo Strip.” Or is it Tolado??
A WOW factor of 8.75!!