First it was M*A*S*H, now it’s The Odd Couple.
But Stage 43’s second theatrical offering of the season will have a unique angle to the Neil Simon script — and one that’s timely given the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements that focus on women’s empowerment.
Instead of Felix Unger and Oscar Madison (as portrayed on the 1970s TV hit show by Tony Randall and Jack Klugman), the Coquitlam company is presenting two female leads, Florence Unger and Olive Madison, and with a female-driven story line.
Still, like the original version, both characters have the same personalities as their male counterparts — Unger being uptight, Madison as the easy-going slob — and tangle as roommates.
Opening next Thursday at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) and running until Jan. 19, the show as directed by Richard Wiens features eight actors with the Unger role taken on by Corrine Out and Angela Bell portraying Madison.
Tri-City residents Dan Jabour and Devin O’Gorman play their dates — Manolo and Jesus Costazuela — while Gillian Menkveld, Taryn Lalani and Leslie Campbell, also from the region, transform as Mickey, Renee and Vera. Sara Zaisoff (Sylvie) rounds out the cast.
As with M*A*S*H, partial proceeds from the show will be donated to charity.
For the first production, donations went to the Honour House Society to help Canadian military and veterans get medical aid. For The Odd Couple, funds will be given to the Tri-Cities Soroptimist group.
• Call 604-927-6555 or visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca. The Jan. 16 performance is a 2-for-1 for single, adult priced tickets (code MESSY or TIDY). Meanwhile, Stage 43’s last show in its As Seen on Screen season is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, opening May 2 and directed by Aaron Davis.
