Laughter Takes Center Stage With WCTG’s ā€˜The Odd Couple’ (Female Version)

Special to the Neighborhood News 

The cast of the Wesley Chapel Theater Group’s ā€œThe Odd Couple (Female Version) includes (seated, l.-r.) Jacob Guardado, Samantha Grahn, Allison Duque, Mackenzie Elliott, Jay Davis (standing, l.-r.) Janine Quarles Adkins, Leanne Green & Kelsey Mars. (Photos provided by Wesley Chapel Theater Group)

The familiar story of mismatched roommates gets a fresh perspective the weekend of October 17-18 when the Wesley Chapel Theater Group presents Neil Simon’s ā€œThe Odd Coupleā€ (Female Version), directed by David Sparano. 

The female version of Simon’s comedy follows Florence Unger and Olive Madison, two women whose personalities and approaches to everyday life could hardly be more different. When Florence, recently separated from her husband, moves in with Olive, the contrast between the meticulous Florence and the carefree Olive quickly leads to a series of hilarious situations. 

The directors of ā€œThe Odd Coupleā€ include assistant director Aline Huttie (left), director David Sparano (right) & stage manager Angelica Chirino (not pictured).

As their friendship is tested by the realities of sharing a home, audiences are treated to Simon’s trademark combination of sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and everyday situations that can turn into anything but ordinary. 

The local production features Samantha Grahn as Olive Madison and Allison Duque as Florence Unger, with Janine Quarles Adkins as Mickey, Kelsey Mars as Sylvie, Mackenzie Elliott as Renee, and Leanne Green as Vera. Rounding out the cast are Jacob Guardado as Manolo Costazuela and Jay Davis as Manolo’s brother Jesus Costazuela. 

While ā€œThe Odd Coupleā€ (Female Version) is filled with laughs, the story also explores the importance of friendship and the unexpected ways people can become part of one another’s lives. The result is a comedy that remains relatable decades after Simon first introduced audiences to the world of ā€œThe Odd Couple.ā€ 

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a local nonprofit community theater troupe, continues its mission of bringing live performing arts to the community through productions featuring local performers and volunteers. Each production is made possible through the combined efforts of actors, directors, backstage crews and community supporters. 

The production of ā€œThe Odd Coupleā€ (Female Version) will take the stage at the Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills 33541). Performances are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 18, at 2 p.m. 

Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors and are available online at WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org. For additional information, scan the QR code in the ad below or visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.