Playhouse Merced to stage 'The Odd Couple (Female Version)' Feb. 24

“The Odd Couple (Female Version),” a comedy about two mismatched roommates, begins a two-weekend run on the Playhouse Merced mainstage Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Odd Couple (Female Version) is written by Neil Simon (“Barefoot in the Park” “Rumors” “The Sunshine Boys”) and centers on two women — the uptight and neat Olive Madison who shares a New York City apartment with the easy-going and slovenly Florence Unger. Originally written in 1965 with men as the lead characters, the female version opened on Broadway in 1985 and starred Rita Moreno as Olive Madison and Sally Struthers as Florence Unger.

Playhouse Merced’s production is directed by Elizabeth Phillips and features Melissa Proietti as Olive Madison and Noelle D.W. Chandler as Florence Unger. The cast includes local actors Elena Carter, Michael Figueroa, Sandra Hay, Millen Joseph, Michael J. Mahlstrom and Bernadette Mello.

The show is rated T = Teens 13 and above.

“The Odd Couple” opens Feb. 24 and plays three weekends through March 4. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2. Tickets prices: adults $20; seniors $18; students $10; children $8. Buy tickets by calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Playhouse Merced is a community-based nonprofit. --Sun-Star staff