The Odd Couple
at H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program

Reviewed on March 10, 2018

Helen Ganley
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

When six women get together for Friday night games of Trivial Pursuit, everything is out on the table: a recent divorce, post-separation loneliness, promiscuous Florida motel rooms, and even a new pregnancy! However, when the group's resident slob and neat freak start living together, the only things on the table are plastic coasters and bitter spirits. Magnificently student-directed, H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program's production of the female version of "The Odd Couple" proved that opposites don't always attract.

Written by Neil Simon in 1965, "The Odd Couple" has since risen onto the Broadway stage, into cinemas, and onto television. The relatable roommate friction appeals to audiences, reminding them of the times when they clashed with a college room or suitemate. In 1985, following the success of the TV show, Neil Simon revised "The Odd Couple" for a female cast. The play focuses around what happens when easygoing slob Olive Madison, struggling with post-separation loneliness, and the hypochondriac neat-freak Florence Ungar, wrestling with her recent divorce, try to live together in a small New York City apartment.

Prattling off sports facts while ‘man spreading' on her couch, Katie Rau was laudable as Olive. Rau's dynamic emotional arc flowed seamlessly between her happiness playing trivia, anger at her roommate's neuroticism, and loneliness without her ex-husband. Melodramatically pulling her friend's hand towards her chest and heaving a plate of spaghetti -no, linguini - at the wall, Rau's expressive choices created an authentic and exciting character. Bustling around the apartment and cleaning up Olive's messes, Jamie Kang played the group's neat freak, Florence. Kang's straight delivery of her lines led to ironic hilarity and her tiny compulsive mannerisms, like pushing in chairs and straightening books, were consistent with her character. Together, the duo used each other's energy magnificently to escalate high-tension moments, shattering glasses and yelling simultaneously, generating the sitcom-like feel of the piece.

Cluttered around the table on game night, each of the duo's friends created a unique personality that was exciting to watch. Amy Beesley-Gilman, as Sylvie, was true to herself and presented a consistently genuine performance. Vivienne Blouin's aloofness as Vera, Jasmina Tang's blunt commentary as Mickey, and Caroline Alpi's dramatics as Renee combined to create an amusing back and forth. Altogether, the six ladies emanated genuine friendship, whether they were laughing together about high school or jumping up to prevent a potential suicide. Kissing each lady's hand and full of linguistic humor, Cole Smyth and Lex Garcia were ‘muy bien' as Manolo and Jesus. Smyth and Garcia's commitment to their brotherly antics along with their abundance of charm and their Spanish accents created two lovable characters that commanded the stage.

Paying as much attention to detail as Florence would, Will Senkus did an exceptional job directing the show. His complex blocking along with the theatrical character choices accentuated the sitcom feel of the play and added new depth to the production. Colorful costumes paired with showy hairstyles embodied the boisterous essence of the New York ‘80s. The grand set and lighting created Olive's apartment, while the props team excelled with their edible foods, retro soda cans, stacks of takeout containers, plastic coasters, and other details that underscored each character's flaws.

With giddy friends, spirited Spaniards, and a box of Trivial Pursuit cards, entertainment is inevitable. H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program's performance of the female version of "The Odd Couple" attests that you don't always find love in romance, but can always find love in your friends.

Emma Shacochis
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

It's a well-known fact that opposites attract - but two roommates are about to prove an exception to the rule. H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program's "The Odd Couple - Female Version" brings the rollicking comedy to life, packed with clashing friendships, organized chaos, and downright delightful humor.

Neil Simon originally penned "The Odd Couple" in 1965; it debuted on Broadway the same year and became a classic, leading to an Academy-Award nominated film in 1968 and a 1970 sitcom. In 1985, Simon modified the play for a female cast: "The Female Odd Couple," which opened on Broadway in 1985, starring Rita Moreno and Sally Struthers.

The tale of polar-opposite roommates is set in a hot New York summer in the 1980s, when recently divorced friends Olive Madison and Florence Ungar decide to move in together. In between Trivial Pursuit nights and awkward dinner party dates, Olive and Florence's contending cleanliness customs prompt hilarity at every turn.

With frizzy hair and glasses sliding down her nose, Katie Rau is dynamic as disorderly Olive. With mellow swagger and lightning-fast quips, Rau is completely comfortable in her messy character, owning her untidy traits - from flinging off her shoes the minute she steps through her door to pitching a plateful of pasta at the wall - with smug satisfaction.

Jamie Kang's Florence, who hates a mess, is a whirlwind of hysteria and practicality. As she embodies Florence's myriad of ailments - from bursitis to neck spasms - and neat-freak tics, Kang miraculously never loses her straight-laced composure.

Together, the eponymous odd couple are ironically in sync while playing their differences. The culmination of anger at one another's habits forms slowly, but the caring chemistry that Rau and Kang share keeps their argumentative scenes grounded.

The clique of girlfriends who have weekly games of Trivial Pursuit at Olive's house elevate each of their scenes with splendidly spirited friendship. Through opinionated chats about marriage and feminism, bickering between ditzy Vera (Vivienne Blouin) and cynical Sylvie (Amy Beesley-Gilman), and bouts of crooning pop hits, the realistic charm of friendship the actresses create is immersive.

In their brief stage time, Cole Smyth and Lex Garcia's suave Barcelonian brothers Manolo and Jesus, respectively, use a language barrier to fill their dinner party with Olive and Florence with uproarious, deadpan misunderstandings.

The stationary set (Jacob Hall), based in Olive's living room, is perfectly, spaciously designed for both Olive's life of sloppiness and Florence's spic-and-span remodel. The stage crew (Miranda Baltaxe and Amelia Myers) wastes no time in efficiently transforming the entire room from disastrous to picturesque. Student director Will Senkus' blocking and show design feel pleasantly sitcom-esque, with the rapport between characters exuding inviting, natural charm.

However, despite the sitcom similarities, no laugh track was necessary - the entire cast had comedic talent in spades, leaving the audience in stitches with their consistently creative quips and physical farce. H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program's captivating and classical "The Odd Couple - Female Version" is guaranteed to leave a smile on every face - no matter how different they may be.

Kristen Waagner
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Those who say opposites attract have probably never met a couple as odd as Olive Madison and Florence Unger. One is a total slob, the other is a neat freak. One loves to go out dancing, the other prefers to stay at home. Chaos is inevitable when they decide to live together. In H-B Woodlawn's Secondary Program "The Odd Couple," a cohesive and hilarious ensemble brought Neil Simon's female-adapted comedy to life with true 80s-sitcom spirit.

Originally conceived as a Broadway play by Neil Simon in 1965, "The Odd Couple" received widespread recognition as a 1968 film and several subsequent television series. The classic story follows the shenanigans of friends Olive, a slovenly but fulfilled sportswriter, and Florence, a neurotic hypochondriac housewife. When Florence's husband leaves her after 14 years of marriage, Olive sympathetically takes her in, but the two quickly discover that their conflicting personalities clash in close quarters. H-B Woodlawn's production is the 'female version' of the play; every role has been gender-swapped from the original, which featured Oscar and Felix instead of Olive and Florence.

The titular couple held up the show with uproarious, energetic performances and a believable character dynamic. Katie Rau as Olive was incredibly charming as she experienced and portrayed a wide range of emotions throughout the play. From sweetly coercing Florence into going on a date to throwing a plate of linguini at her, Rau's physicality and masterful pacing built appropriate tension in every scene. Florence (Jamie Kang) was a convincing worrywart; her fastidious compulsions characterized her even when she was not speaking.

The small but talented cast was rounded out by Florence and Olive's friends, who punctuated the action with games of Trivial Pursuit. Police officer Mickey (Jasmina Tang), ditzy Vera (Vivienne Blouin), and witty Renee (Caroline Alpi) all had distinctive moments that enhanced the inherent humor of the show. The slightly cynical Sylvie (Amy Beesley-Gilman) stood out among the friends for her dry demeanor, contrasting the many zany caricatures of the others.

Some of the most entertaining scenes of "The Odd Couple" were those featuring Manolo (Cole Smyth) and Jesus (Lex Garcia), the Costazuela brothers. Their wacky sayings and exaggerated personalities were juxtaposed by their line delivery, which was straight-faced and spot on. Each of their interactions held the loving yet competitive dynamic only found between siblings, tempering their outrageous comedy with genuine moments.

One of the most impressive aspects H.B. Woodlawn's production was its adept student direction by William Senkus. With his complex blocking and developed understanding of characterization, Senkus succeeded in making the situational comedy as entertaining as possible. Attention to detail was manifested in the many props used by the characters - vintage Pepsi cans and food that could be consumed on stage contributed to the 'organized chaos' vibe of Olive's apartment.

H.B. Woodlawn's rendition of "The Odd Couple" encapsulated the essence of sitcoms, in the vein of "Cheers" or "Full House." With humor that appealed to all ages, the quirky characters, brought to life by talented actors, could find a home in the heart of any audience.

Sarah Bourgeois
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

Five New York women scramble in pursuit of trivia answers, laughing wholeheartedly at new jokes and old memories. When the host of the lighthearted game night answers the coiled wire phone, genuine smiles melt away as they learn their close friend was dumped by her husband of fourteen years. Out of the kindness of her heart and the desire to be less lonely, the messy-yet-lovable best friend invites the newly-divorced neat-freak to live with her in H-B Woodlawn's Secondary Program hysterical production of "The Odd Couple - Female Version."

Originally written featuring two male roommates in 1965, Neil Simon revisited his work to create the female version twenty years later. After nine previews, the show had 295 performances at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre. The original Broadway production went on to inspire a successful film, ABC sitcom, and animated series among other adaptations.

After being kicked out of her home by her husband, Florence roams the streets of New York City, lost and heartbroken. She finally makes it to the Trivial Pursuit game at her sloppy friend Olive's apartment. As the girls do what they can to help Florence get through the bad news, Olive volunteers to take her in. Complications arise when Olive's messy habits collide with Florence's obsessive cleanliness.

Katie Rau portrayed Olive with a leisurely attitude that showcased the disorderly qualities of her character. While casually presenting moldy green and rotten brown sandwiches as snacks for her guests, Rau masterfully executed nonchalant mannerisms. The unkempt habits of Rau's character were skillfully contrasted by the tidiness of Jamie Kang's portrayal of Florence. From rearranging miscellaneous junk to making loud noises similar to those of whale calls to "clear her sinuses," Kang effectively displayed her character's eccentric quirks. At the weekly game of Trivial Pursuit, Kang was dedicated to treating the guests properly. As she distributed various drinks and hors d'oeuvres, she carefully placed a napkin on her friend's lap, enhancing her orderly physicalities and contrasting her roommate's disheveled ways.

Amy Beesley-Gilman, Caroline Alpi, Vivienne Blouin, and Jasmina Tang portrayed the fun-loving and cohesive ensemble of Trivial Pursuit players. As their joyous laughter filled the air, the audience was treated to genuine bursts of talent. Every player possessed distinct characteristics while they meshed into an expertly close-knit group. Jesus and Manolo Costazuela, Olive's Spanish neighbors, were portrayed by Lex Garcia and Cole Smyth. The brothers maintained consistent accents which aided the comedic elements of their punchlines. While describing the candy they gave to the girls, they unintentionally confused "nougat" with "no good," which lead to a laughable conversation. The manner in which they reacted to one another, without missing a beat, was smoothly accomplished in every scene.

Impressive technical aspects, such as the set and props, added to the chaos of Olive's home. With throwback Pepsi cans and crooked picture frames among the artfully placed mess of the New York apartment, the clutter appeared natural and convincing. Real pasta and drinks were used to bring another sense of realism to the stage.

From devastating divorce to whimsical personalities crowded around a board game, the diverting tale of "The Odd Couple- Female Version" made for a fanciful production by H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program.