This weekend's production of the female version of The Odd Couple will give women in Athens County something to laugh about.
Presented by the Athenian Berean Community Players, the production opens tonight at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville.
Director Karen Chan says the play was a perfect choice for the theater group, which is predominantly female.
We have a plethora of females and very few men
Chan said. The idea behind this was to give the women who have so much talent ... a chance to spread their wings.
The play details the story of Olive, a single professional woman who finds her messy living situation challenged when she lets her neat and tidy best friend Florence, who is going through a divorce, move into her apartment. The Neil Simon comedy explores the dynamics of friendship as well as the ups and downs of being a roommate.
Chan said that while men will also enjoy the production, the six female cast members will empower female audience members.
If you just look at them you just see very strong women Chan said. You feel that there's hope for these women and hope for women who suddenly find themselves divorced and unprepared for the world. We can get through any situation with our friends helping us.
Sandy Russell, an Ohio University graduate student studying art history, also said women will identify with the humor.
I think a lot of women could relate to it at different ages and recognize themselves in the characters
Russell said. This includes everybody as having the same problems - that recognition and that acceptance is empowering.
Russell, who decorated the set and made the production's props, said the show has been a positive challenge for her.
My biggest challenge was thinking architecturally
said Russell, who built a roast capon using paper mache, among other materials, for the play. Each thing has its built-in limitations as to what you have to work with.
Russell isn't the only student who has benefited from the theater experience. Damiano Cinque, who plays Jesus, is one of those people. As a graduate student studying film, he said being involved with the play has supplemented his education well.
Working inside a play as an actor lets you see the process from the other side. It's more specific and more detailed
said Cinque, who said the acting experience will give him a better perspective as a film director. I can be in their own shoes
and in the future
I will be able to communicate with them better.
Chan said she recommends that anyone who enjoys comedy should come see the show.
It's just a romp for couples or for people who just want to have a girls' night out
Chan said. It's quite charming when you put the whole cast together.
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