The Odd Couple 2024
THE ODD COUPLE by Neil Simon
Directed by Ed Sanders, assisted by Amberly Hadley & Gail Warren
Performance dates: Sept 28, 29, Oct 4,5,6
It's the early 1960s, six longtime friends (Vinnie, Roy, Speed, Murray, Oscar, & Felix) gather weekly at Oscar's place to joke, eat, drink, and play poker (and so Oscar can attempt to win money for alimony and child support). But when Felix's wife unexpectedly kicks him out, all hell breaks loose! Five friends scramble to support their neurotic friend in his time of need, but... he's (how do we say this nicely... ummm...) he's a CHALLENGE. Throw in a couple of British tarts for flavor, and you have a very funny show!
This is the original 1964 play that led to the classic 1968 film, and then to the 1970s television series. Still as hilarious and painful as ever, you don't want to miss this one!
CAST
Oscar Madison ................................. Rusty Cook
Felix Ungar ......................................... Kirk Bonner
Vinnie ........................................................... Levi King
Roy ............................................. Vaughn Hardman
Speed ................................................ Blake Trimble
Murray .............................................. Stephen Buse
Cecily Pigeon .................................... Jess Morris
Gwendolyn Pigeon ..... Stacey Greenawalt
CREW
Director .................................................................. Ed Sanders
Assistant Director ............................... Amberly Hadley
Assistant to the Director ............................Gail Warren
Backstage .................... Sean Keegan, Izzy Schwarz,
............................................................................Jaleigh Schwarz
Light Tech ............................................................Carol Morris
Sound Tech ....................................................Joy Fitzgerald
Sound Design.............Cindy Parks, Amberly Hadley
Set Crew ................ Josh Garner, Stacey Greenawalt,
................Amberly Hadley, Carol Morris, Jess Morris,
.................................................Jaleigh Schwarz, and others
RUSTY COOK - Oscar Madison
Rusty is a veteran of many shows here at LWA and he is super excited to bring this timeless classic to life. And as always, he thanks his lovely lady Palmira for letting him miss dinner a few nights a week. He couldn’t do it with out her.
KIRK BONNER - Felix Ungar
Kirk has been exceptionally busy in non-theatre life and has not yet submitted a bio, but he is pleased to be back on stage at LWA.
LEVI KING - Vinnie
Levi is a stage veteran, having appeared with Granbury Theatre Company, Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players, Plaza Theatre Company, and most recently as Passepartout in LWA's recent production of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. Some of his favorite roles include Lt. Lenny Archer in KISS AND TELL, Peter Pan in PETER PAN JR, Teen Scrooge and Fred in two different productions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, newsboy in RAGTIME, and ensemble in LES MISERABLES.
VAUGHN HARDMAN - Roy
Vaughn is back again for another year at LWA. He has appeared in FARCE OF NATURE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN. Prior to coming to LWA, Vaughn served as a production manager, director, and actor for the Left Field Players in Keller, TX. As always, Vaughn is exceedingly thankful for his wife’s continued love, support, and patience during preparation for this production.
BLAKE TRIMBLE - Speed
Blake has been a part of Lake Whitney Arts for years as a children’s theatre parent. He has recently taken to the stage himself in THE SUGAR BEAN SISTERS, CLUE, and FARCE OF NATURE. He says that he has caught the bug for the stage.
STEPHEN BUSE - Murray
Stephen is proud to take part in another LWA production. He most recently played Phileas Fogg in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, and will be directing this winter's THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Some of his favorite roles have been in MOON OVER BUFFALO and THE 39 STEPS. He wants to thank the cast, crew and directors for their kindness and support. He especially thanks his wife Susie for her love and support during this production.
JESS MORRIS - Cecily Pigeon
Jess is thrilled to be appearing in her fourth performance with Lake Whitney Arts, appearing most recently as Sir Francis and other characters in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. Other roles include Mrs. Cratchit and Charwoman in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Jenna Sealey in FARCE OF NATURE, and she has worked the booth for other shows. Jess is incredibly grateful to have this additional opportunity to work with LWA and this amazing cast and crew.
STACEY GREENAWALT - Gwendolyn Pigeon
Stacey has been active in the DFW theatre community for many years as actor, director, costumer, prop designer, scenic painter, and set designer, and has been nominated for two Column Awards. Favorite roles include Lotty Wilton in ENCHANTED APRIL, Miss Hannigan in ANNIE, Ronnette in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and both Yente and Fruma-Sarah in two different productions of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Most recently, she directed and appeared in LWA's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS.
ED SANDERS - Director
Mr. Sanders has attended the well being of Lake Whitney Arts for a very long time. He has served as its president, actor, director, and board member.
AMBERLY HADLEY - Assistant Director
Amberly has been an active member in Lake Whitney Arts since 2015 with THE RED VELVENT CAKE WAR. Past shows include THE SUGAR BEAN SISTERS, TWO WITCHES NO WAITING, and FARCE OF NATURE. Most recently she appeared in Everything I Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Amberly is currently on the Lake Whitney Board as Vice-President and supports the volunteer guild. She enjoys fishing any chance she can find. She would like to thank everyone for supporting Lake Whitney Arts.
GAIL WARREN - Assistant to the Director
Gail has been with LWA since 2006. She has performed in ALWAYS PATSY CLINE, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, THE FOREIGNER, NUNSENSE I & II, GODSPELL, THE ODD COUPLE and many other Jones Hope Wooten plays. She would like to thank all the dedicated cast members that put their heart & soul into this production.