Familar comedy gets a new twist for fall play

Girls in 2 casts take leads for Nov. 21-23 shows

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The fall play will be a little odd this year at West Liberty High School.

Veteran director Dorianne Rees says the school's production of the comedy “The Odd Couple: Female Version,” by Neil Simon, will hold four performances by two different casts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-23.

The shows begin at 7 p.m. each night, and a Saturday matinee begins at 2 p.m.

That’s right, those attending could see two different versions of acting in this year’s play that features unlikely roommates – neurotic neat freak Florence Unger and unkempt, messy Olive Madison – as they “attempt to inhabit the same apartment without killing each other,” Rees said.

The director said this was the first time she’s ever done a play with two casts, noting other high schools have accomplished the feat. One big advantage of doing two casts is involving more students.

“It gives kids more opportunities,” she said.

Rees said the performances should bring to light two different versions, noting personalities and body language will make each play look different, asking the audience to attend every show at $10 a person.

“You really need to see both plays,” she said.

Set in a New York City apartment in the 1980s that was built by Ron Haskell and painted by Linley Heath and Janet Rees, the play has an assistant director in Maya Garrido, a WLHS grad who has performed on the stage. Jacob Zeman is stage manager. Costumes were created by Coleen Randolph.

Rees and Garrido combined to create the props for the performances with donations and help from the West Liberty community. The director also praised the West Liberty Fine Arts Boosters and the high school staff for their support.

Cast members include Xochitl Meraz and Madelyn Becker playing Florence Unger while Tatum Hale and Addy Honts will play Olive Madison.

Isabella Lugo and Madelyn Deahr play Sylvie while Renee will be acted by Zair Calderon and Danielle Tompkins.

Alyssa Stagg and Yaslinne Navarette will play the role of Vera while Eleden Jacobs is Mickey. Manola will be acted by Ambrose Eck and Wesley Heath while Jesus is played by Flynn Womachka, Tucker Womachka and Rowan Womachka.

This is Rees’ fourth production at West Liberty High School. She also coached a local improv troupe, The Part-Time Simpletons and directed the community radio show during the holidays, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

 

 

 

 

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