'The Odd Couple' opens Thursday

The first three performances of “The Odd Couple” begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. The performances are open to the public for ages 13 and up. Admission is free.

“The Odd Couple,” featuring two females: Olive Madison and Florence Unger in the lead roles, is a revision of Simon’s original script. After Florence interrupts Olive and their group of girlfriends during their weekly game night, Florence informs the group she has been dumped by her husband. Fearful Florence might harm herself, Olive invites her to move in as her roommate. However, their very different housekeeping styles and personalities clash, testing their friendship. When Olive organizes a double-date with the Costazuela brothers, their dissimilarities reach an all-time high and sparks fly.

Scott Cavin, associate professor of Visual and Performing Art, said this play is perfect for CSC Theatre program.

“We have strong female performers and “The Odd Couple” allows their talents to shine,” Cavin said.

Cavin also touched on the late Simon’s ability to write funny dialogue.

“Neil Simon may be lampooned and derided by many art lovers of ‘discriminating taste.’ What can’t be denied is that the man is a master of ridiculous and highly humorous one-liners,” Cavin said.

Olive Unger will be played by Jennaya Hill of Gordon, Neb., and Florence Madison will be played by Mickenzi Loyd of Big Piney, Wyo.

Other cast members include Courtney Smith of Hampton, Neb., as Sylvie, Hannah Smith of Broken Bow, Neb., as Renee, Taylor Thies of Rapid City, S.D., as Mickey, and Kori Teasley of Custer, S.D., as Vera. Caleb Stadler of North Platte, Neb., and Trajan Garcia of Alliance, Neb., will portray Jesus Constazuela and Manolo Constazuela, respectively.

Roger Mays, professor of Visual and Performing Arts, is directing the play.