A female version of "The Odd Couple" is coming to The Liberty Theater

DAYTON - Coming to the Liberty Theater is a female version of Neil Simon's classic "The Odd Couple." Dave Campbell directs the TVAC Production, which will run from June 21 through 23.

The original "Odd Couple" premiered on Broadway in 1965, starring Walter Matthau as the messy but easygoing Oscar Madison and Art Carney as the uptight Felix Unger. Simon adapted his play, and "The Odd Couple" was released as a movie in 1968, with Walter Matthau reviving his role as Oscar and Jack Lemmon starring as prickly Unger.

The mismatched roommates made it to television in an ABC sitcom starring Jack Klugman as Oscar and Tony Randall as Felix. The show ran from 1970 to 1975,

The plot concerns mismatched divorcees who share a New York City apartment. Madison has been described as slovenly, sloppy, careless, and an excessive gambler, yet easygoing and generally happy. Fresh from a divorce, Unger is controlling, a hypochondriac, and seems incapable of enjoying life. Somehow, the roommates find they are good for each other, even if they drive each other crazy.

In 1985, Simon revised "The Odd Couple" for a female cast. Now, it is Florence Unger and Olive Madison, and the opening scene has friends playing Trivial Pursuit instead of poker.

The Liberty Theater production features local talent, including Deanna Tipton as Olive Madison and Elizabeth Jaejeski portraying Florence Unger.

The play opens with Olive and her friends waiting for Florence to arrive for their weekly game of Trivial Pursuit. The distraught Florence arrives, breaking up the game, having just been dumped by her husband. Olive and Florence's friends are played by Katie Leid as Rene, Margaret Terry as Vera, Shelly Franklin as Mickey, and Savannah Vance as Sylvie.

By letting Florence move in, Olive can lend her support. And Florence might be able to clean up Olive's messy apartment and chaotic lifestyle.

The lead actors have an advantage in portraying this friendship, said Tipton. They are friends in real life, and their connection and support is evident in their performances.

In the female version, the fetching British-born Pigeon sisters are now the spicy Spanish-born Costazuela brothers, played by Kyle Terry as Manolo and Fred Crow as Jesus.

Performances on the June 21 and 22 will start at 7 p.m., and the production begins at 3 p.m. on June 23. You can purchase your ticket online at libertytheater.org or at the theater's box office on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 – 5 p.m.