The Odd Couple Offers a Refreshing Look at Theatre

The UA Department of Theatre and Dance performed Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple on Tuesday, April 15, at the Allen Bales Theatre on campus. It was an extremely well done show and very funny. The cast members put their heart into the performance and did an excellent job of capturing the oddly paired roommates and friends.

The best job of all was definitely done by Jessie Towey who played Florence Unger, she became her character to the point where even her appearance took on a look of meticulous cleanness. She made the show come alive with her vitality and effort. Also, Kristi Wiley, who played Olive Madison, did a great job of being completely comfortable in her own skin as she paraded around in her dirty apartment getting in on all the jokes and fun. The whole cast made the show a very light-hearted affair that kept the audience laughing and on their toes until the end.

The details of production were very well done too. The play took place in Allen Bales theatre which is a round stage and there was one set for the entire production. However, it was so well set-up that the audience could imagine the comfortableness of the apartment and sense all the actions happening within.

The show was one of the best I have seen performed at the University this semester and was a great chance to get a good laugh with friends. Anyone who has not seen this show really should make their way to a theatre the first chance they get!