Review: THE ODD COUPLE (Female Version)

Neil Simon's original male version of The Odd Couple had been a big Broadway hit in 1965.  Later it was turned into a film and then a popular TV series. In 1985, Simon decided to rewrite the show making the protagonists female. While it may sound like creative recycling, the resulting script is 80% new and by switching the genders, Simon has tapped a whole new vein of potential comedy.

The script is strong indeed, but Encore enlivens it with terrific star performances aided by a first-rate ensemble, and direction that keeps the comedy rolling.

In the first Act Mickey Brown shines as the slovenly Olive Madison. It is in her messy apartment where the girls gather for weekly trivial pursuit matches. When their friend Florence Unger arrives, having just separated from her husband, Olive naturally invites Florence to move in.

Brown is a whole show herself, but when she and Kim Sprenger as Florence come up against each other the comedic sparks start.  The two actresses couldn't be more dissimilar and the contrast neatly points up the comic situations. They make the laugh lines land beautifully yet still create two fascinatingly believable characterizations.

They are well matched by prospective dates Manolo and Jesus who show up in Act Two for a hilarious dinner party scene that builds laugh upon laugh. Mario D'Alimonte and Aaron Sidenberg come close to stealing the show as the two Spanish brothers.

The entire production is well cast, however, down to the quartet of game players who are able to deliver Simon's lines in a loose, easy fashion that is natural and realistic. Credit, at least in part, should go to director Michael Hiller who keeps the comedy rooted in reality. We believe these characters, which only serves to make the play even funnier. Even the transitions from scene to scene are staged like miniature ballets set to music.

Over the past several seasons, Encore Entertainment has developed a reputation for staging outstanding productions and that reputation is further enhanced by this absolutely first rate production. Don't miss it!

The Odd Couple (female version) continues at the Studio Theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street until Sunday February 11. Evening performances are at 8 PM with a 2 PM matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $26. - $27.50 and may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 416–733-0558 or at www.encorshows.com.

Mark Andrew Lawrence presents Front Row Centre, Sunday nights at 7:00 on FOXY 88.5 FM.