Odd Couple (female version)

by Neil Simon

Press Review

Director
 Alex Gear

Venue
 Harlequin Theatre Auditorium
Redhill

Dates
 27-29 October 2005

Producer
 Jo Ellen Anderson

Set Design
 Tim Sinclair

Stage Manager
 Jim Tadd

Wardrobe/Props
 Jo Ellen Anderson

Lights/Sound
 

The Cast

                         Olive          Jan Sparkes
                         Florence     Trish Richings
                         Mickey       Cheryl Pearce
                         Renee         Laura Wills
                         Sylvie          Karen Thompson
                         Vera            Sam Jameison
                         Manolo        Oli Cownden
                         Jesus            David Ilett

The idea for The Odd Couple was conceived by Neil Simon’s brother, comedy writer Danny Simon. Danny Simon began writing the play but turned it over to Neil who was more familiar with writing plays. Danny Simon recently passed away at the age of 86.

1965 – 1967 A broadway play originally starring Walter Matthau as Oscar and Art Carney as Felix. Later in the show’s run, Jack Klugman took over the role of Oscar.

1968 A movie version starring Walter Matthau as Oscar and Jack Lemmon as Felix.

1970 – 1975 A television series starring Jack Klugman as Oscar and Tony Randall as Felix.

1982 – 1983 A television series starring Demond Wilson as Oscar and Ron Glass as Felix.

1985 A female version of the play debuted on Broadway with Rita Moreno as Olive and Sally Struthers as Florence.

1993 A television reunion movie starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall.

1998 A movie sequel starring Walther Matthau and Jack Lemmon.

2002 Neil Simon rewrote about 70% of the play and it was performed by John Larroquette as Oscar and Joe Regalbuto as Felix.

2005 A revival on Broadway starring Nathan Lane as Oscar and Matthew Broderick as Felix.