By Managing Editor Carrie Kreisler

OK, so I never saw the original version of “The Odd Couple.”
I was, though, aware of the premise, and after seeing the female version of Neil Simon’s famous play performed on stage at the Bellevue Little Theatre on Friday night, I realized just how easy it would be for most people to relate to it – the ups and downs of having a roommate.
A divorced woman comfortable living with clutter invites her neat-freak friend to move in.
The show starts off with four women sitting around the table at Olive Madison’s apartment playing Trivial Pursuit. They banter back and forth for a while before Olive comes out of the kitchen and joins the game.
The conversation eventually turns to the whereabouts of their friend, Florence Unger. They are worried about Florence contemplating suicide because they have just learned her husband “broke up” with her after 14 years of marriage.
Much to the relief of her five friends there, Florence, played by Deb Kelly, shows up at Olive’s apartment. This is when the play really picks up pace.
The women seem to feed off each other’s wit more, and the talent of Florence and Olive, played by Connie Lee, really comes out. When Olive suggests Florence move in with her, she has no idea what she’s in for. Florence is uptight and a neat freak; Olive is laid back and a self-described slob.
Olive is patient with Florence’s habits in the beginning, but soon gets irritated by the constant cleaning and tidying. Lee, in playing Olive, is very believable. She speaks clearly and has great timing and expression in delivering her lines, many of which are comical.
Much of the same can be said for Kelly in capturing the character of Florence.
Olive eventually explains her frustrations to Florence. They are two-fold. Not only is she annoyed with Florence moving in and being her cleaning-obsessed self (likely one of the reasons her husband left her) but also because Olive is still lonely in Florence’s presence. She longs for a date.
She invites two Spanish brothers from upstairs over for dinner one night. Florence agrees to cook.
So as not to give anything away from there, let me just say, laughter is more frequent than ever when Manolo and Jesus Costazuela show up at Olive’s apartment. Their English isn’t great, or, I should say, the accents put on by Jerry Onik and Randy Vest are hilarious.
The rest you will have to see for yourself.
“The Odd Couple (female version)” is playing at the Bellevue Little Theatre through May 23.
It’s the final show of the 2009-10 season, so make your reservations now. Call 291-1554 between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The theater is located at 203 W. Mission Ave. in Olde Towne. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for students.

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