Kevin Carr
Contributor
The Monticello Opera House (MOH) will re-open its doors this weekend, with a production of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple (Female Version). The classic comedy will be performed by a new acting troupe, the Perkins Players, and will be held in the opera house's upstairs theater, with social distancing seating and all recommended health and safety protocols being followed.
The play, set in the mid 1980’s, is a new twist that Simon gave to his hugely successful Odd Couple play, movie and television series, as the Female Version play reimagines the lead characters as women. They play out the familiar plot-line of two polar opposite personalities, one a carefree slob and one an uptight neurotic, becoming roommates.
In addition to the two lead characters, Olive Madison (played by Liane Giroux) and Florence Unger (played by Shannon Delaney-James), the show features a group of uniquely individual and somewhat mismatched friends. Show Director Barbie Nettles feels that the play is a great story for these times.
“It’s about friendship and how people come together and support each other,” Nettles sats, adding that the show’s cast is a “delightful group of actors, as giving and loving off-stage as their characters in the play.”
The Perkins Players, named for MOH founder John H. Perkins, have been studying acting at the theater.
The Historic Theater has 20’ high ceilings and will be booked at about one-fourth capacity, providing good air circulation and making six-feet minimum social distancing easier. Spaced lines, masks (recommended), regular sanitizing of surfaces, hand-sanitizer stations throughout, and checking temperature of all patrons, staff and volunteers before entering will be practiced at all show performances. To see a complete listing of all MOH health and safety procedures, visit the opera house website at MonticelloOperaHouse.org.
The Odd Couple (Female Version) is a special benefit show for the opera house and Executive Director Mike Herrin encourages everyone to attend.
“The health and safety of our patrons, staff and volunteers are our top priority, and we will take every precaution to keep our people safe,” says Herrin, adding: “Community theaters are really struggling because of the COVID-19 situation, and your patronage is needed now more than ever.”
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