Photo: Starring in Thingamajig’s production of ‘The Odd Couple (Female Version)’, from left on the couch, Gus Palma, Karisa Bruin, Sean Carter, and looking on from above, Ivy King.
Neil Simon had a gift for capturing the beautiful messiness of human relationships, and few of his works do it better than The Odd Couple. But in 1985, Simon revisited his hit comedy, re-imagining it with female leads — a shift that proves just how universal the dynamics of friendship, frustration, and personal quirks really are.
Now, Thingamajig Theatre Company is bringing this witty, heartfelt female version to life, following in the footsteps of recent audience favorites like All Is Calm and A Walk in the Woods.
The show opens this Friday, February 28 and runs through March 15. Tickets are available at pagosacenter.org.
At the heart of the play is Olive Madison (Ivy King), a sportswriter who thrives in clutter, and Florence Unger (Karisa Bruin), a recently single neat-freak who moves in with her. What begins as an act of kindness soon spirals into a hilarious clash of personalities, as Florence’s obsessive cleaning and Olive’s laid-back attitude drive each other to the brink. Their weekly Trivial Pursuit night with friends only adds fuel to the fire, culminating in a visit from two charming Spanish brothers (Gustavo Palma and Sean Carter) that pushes their dynamic to the breaking point.
What makes Simon’s adaptation special isn’t just the gender swap — it’s how the play explores the ways friendships between women function differently than those between men. There’s still plenty of snappy dialogue and quick wit, but there’s also an emotional depth that adds richness to the comedy.
This production brings together a talented cast, featuring returning Thingamajig favorites Laura Moore, Anna Hershey, and Melissa (Cheffers) Stewart — performers who have a knack for comedic timing and heartfelt moments alike. Under the direction of a creative team that values both humor and nuance, this promises to be a lively, laugh-filled evening at the theatre.
For those who enjoyed the thoughtful storytelling of A Walk in the Woods or the stirring harmonies of All Is Calm at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, The Odd Couple (Female Version) offers a different kind of delight — one filled with quick-witted exchanges, relatable chaos, and a reminder that even our closest friendships can be a little… odd.
The Odd Couple (Female Version)
Directed by Dennis Elkins
Playing at PSCA February 28 – March 15
Tickets at pagosacenter.org or 970.731.SHOW (7469)