Towne Centre Theatre's THE ODD COUPLE (FEMALE VERSION) Begins Tonight

Never send a man to do a woman's job... that seems to be the governing philosophy in Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (Female Version), opening at Towne Centre Theatre tonight, August 15th.

Simon's play, an adaptation of his original work, follows the better half of society as newly-separated neat freak Florence Ungar (played by theatre veteran Marianne Clark) moves in with perpetual slob Olive Madison (portrayed by Julie Murphy). Director Matt Grimes believes there is something special about this retelling.

"In a lot of ways, the play is a mirror image of its predecessor," Grimes says. "Yet, to me, the female version has a lot more heart. That's what makes a show resonate with its audience. Besides the laughs, you want to carry something home with you, and I believe this show does that."

Marianne Clark, who plays one half of the titular couple, agrees. "The saying is that opposites attract, and I believe that's true for Florence and Olive. Sure, they are horrible roommates, but they are great friends. I think a lot of people relate to that relationship."

In addition to Clark and Murphy, the cast includes Layne Sasser, Jean Hevel, Cheryl Ward, Judy Jackson, Clay Walker, and Eric Crawford.

The show opens August 15th and runs through August 30th. Show times are 8:00 pm for evening performances and 2:30 pm for Sunday matinees. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $16 for students and can be purchased online at www.townecentretheatre.tix.com. Group rates are also available for groups of 10 or more.

In TCT's continuing efforts to partner with a local charity during each production, we are proud to be partnering with Meals-on-Wheels a Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency program. Meals-on-Wheels is a critical component to help Middle Tennessee seniors remain in their homes as long as possible by providing them with nutritious meals as well as outreach, nutrition education, supportive services and recreational activities. Help brighten their homes by bringing your donations of stationary, stamps, birthday cards, batteries, crossword puzzles, toiletry items and any other basic necessities. A collection bin will be located in the lobby of the theatre.

Towne Centre Theatre is located at 136 Frierson Street in Brentwood, Tennessee.