ASHLAND — Ashland University’s theatre department typically features a lineup of three major shows per school year.
During the spring semester of 2020, AU’s scheduled performances of “The Odd Couple” were postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the spring, the actors and technical personnel responsible for presenting the show have been hard at work alternating the performance to include social distancing practices. Because of the dedication from everyone involved, Ashland University will unveil their performance of “The Odd Couple.”
Ashland University’s performance of “The Odd Couple” will be performed Oct. 1, 2, and 3 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee show on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
The cast will feature the same core group of actors and actresses, aside from two new individuals who will fill the gaps left by performers who decided against returning to the cast. According to Robert Sean Parker, director of “The Odd Couple” and AU professor, it was originally debated if the show was going to be performed at all.
Parker himself played Felix in “The Odd Couple” approximately 20 years ago.
“It’s been an awesome cast to work with,” Parker said. “They’ve really dedicated themselves and they are excited for this project.
“It’s going to come together nicely.”
Neil Simon, who wrote “The Odd Couple,” is the only playwright that has a Broadway theatre named after him. The performances will feature an altered crew and fresh blocking, ensuring that every performer maintains their distance.
This version of “The Odd Couple” is unique as it features two female actresses as lead characters Olive and Florence, rather than the typical male duo. However, the character traits remain the same: Olive is an outgoing partyer and Florence is a stickler for rules and regulations.
“It’s a real challenge,” Parker said. “Simon’s comedy is hard, and the cast is up for it.
“The audience is going to have to wear a mask and sit in sections apart from each other.”
Ashland University will allow about 100 people in the auditorium to watch the show. Tickets are available now at the AU Bookstore. They are $2 for AU students and $5 for all other patrons.
Tiffany Sims, a Texas native who plays Florence Unger, said the overall commitment of the entire cast and crew was phenomenal.
“I think we all definitely wanted to pick it back up again,” Sims said. “It was really disappointing we didn’t get to perform the show last year.
“I have definitely seen so much hard work from all the cast. I’m just really grateful to get to be a part of all of this. We’re making the most of this situation, even though it’s not ideal.
“Even with COVID and everything, it’s been so much fun. The director Sean has been great in supporting us, and it makes it fun.”
Sims said her character is considered a germaphobe and a ‘neat-freak,’ so her character was able to accommodate easily to the newly established socially distant blocking scheme.
Parker contributed a synopsis of his experience as director of this show.
“When the pandemic hit, we were in a wonderful place during the rehearsal process in our studio theatre. My concept for the show was complete, and the collaborative process was making great progress. The cast was on comedic fire,” he said. “The set design was most impressive by Mark Kobak. He had envisioned a realistic upper west side New York City apartment. The building was built during the art deco period. His mise-en-scène incorporated 1980’s decor. (The play is set in 1985.)
“Lighting designer, Travis Richardson, was working in Florida at the time. His design was ready to hang and he had been communicating with Mark very closely. There were practical lights and sconces designed for the walls. Jennifer Ammons had designed specific 1980s costumes/makeup for each character. She did great research. Justin Bilewicz was our amazing costume supervisor building, buying, and pulling costumes to compliment Jennifer’s vision. (By the way, Justin is an AU theatre graduate and a wonderful costume designer!)
“Emily Schordock was gathering the many hand and set props needed for the performance. Samuel Breyley was finding sound effects and working with our wonderful Technical Director, David Steinmetz. David was collaborating and making sure all technical aspects were being built. He was incredible at making everything come to fruition within budget. He was an incredible instructor and TD.
“Crew positions for the show were being assigned. Tricia Applegate had worked hard on publicity, box office, and everything necessary to mount a production from front of house. She was wonderful and always dedicated. During spring break 2020, it all stopped.
“Nothing and no one can stop theatre. The show will always go on. Theatre is the most collaborative artform of all artforms. It is the most complicated. It encompasses every aspect of art, history, psychology, sociology, everything. It is about truth. It contains many genres and styles. The Odd Couple (Female Version) offers us the challenges of comedy.
“Students will always study theatre and learn important things about life, society, communication, and collaboration. It is complicated and it takes dedication and passion. The theatre will never die. The study of theatre is vital to every higher learning environment. I ask you to understand why we devote our lives to its importance. Our subject in theatre is always about the human condition — no matter the genre or style being mounted.
“I would like to thank Teresa Durbin-Ames and Tom Reed for taking the ghost light off the stage and producing this production. Although this production is not what was originally envisioned, Teresa and Tom worked hard to bring this production back. I would like to thank every person mentioned above — David, Mark, Travis, Jennifer, Justin, Emily, and Tricia. I would like to thank AU Theatre graduate, Seth Morrison, for bringing his talents to the production. He took the limited resources he had and made magic.
“I would like to thank my wonderful stage manager, Tyler Rice. He worked incredibly hard in the shop and did more than you can imagine.”
Here is the list of actors/actresses you can expect to see take the stage:
- Sarah Graham as Olive Madison
- Tiffany Sims as Florence Unger
- AnnMarie Hill as Sylvie
- Katie Snell as Renee
- Brianna Whitmore as Vera
- Bethany Double as Mickey
- Luke Martin as Manolo Costazuela
- David Tomlinson as Jesus Costazuela
