Rituals of Theater Set the Tone for Neil Simon's "Odd Couple"

As Actors’ Mission prepares to open Neil Simon’s eclectic female version of “The Odd Couple,” the theater in the lower ballroom of the Elks’ Lodge is alive with ritual. Cast member Deb Jensen lounges in her customary spot on the set reviewing lines. Jasmine Weaver tries diligently to finish her homework before rehearsal commences. Mallory and Jessica gravitate towards one another to nasally contemplate the quintessential New York accent. Director Roy Hansen’s cell phone ceremoniously clamors every 30 seconds and he: “Kim’s on her way.” “Kirsten’s coming.”
On the director’s table sits an iconic Magic 8-ball. “I ask it how rehearsal will go, and if Kirsten will show up on time, “comments Hansen. “Does it work?” I ask. “Remarkably well,” he says.
It is his habit, but he really doesn’t need the 8-ball to tell him anything. He’s got everything he needs for a smash hit: a Neil Simon classic, a completed set, sound effects, someone who actually wants to sort out costumes and props, and a dynamic cast. If you are unfamiliar with the classical tale of the Odd Couple, it is the New York story of two mismatched roommates. Olive, played by Deb Jensen, is an award-winning television writer lacking in tact and domestic talent. She generously takes in Florence, a neurotic neat-freak who is devastated when her husband abruptly leaves her. Florence will be played by Kirsten Mundschenk. While Olive copes with continuous complaints and ailments from her new roommate, Florence’s frustration with Olive’s sloppy habits escalates. The two main characters are supported by a gang of New York gal pals who rally for evening games of Trivial Pursuit, conflict mediation, and suicide prevention. “The Odd Couple” is classic escapist theater-entertaining and engaging, wrought with wit, physical comedy, and pure comic timing.
On this night, Roy conducts another ritual. He directs Deb Jensen and Kirsten Mundschenk, once she arrives, to the stage to sit in the “hot seat.” He encourages other cast members to ask the duo anything they want about their characters, which they then must answer in character. I ask, “What is your biggest pet peeve with one another?” Kirsten, channeling Florence offers, “You know, I can put up with things laying all over the floor, the clothes, the smudges, but I just can’t take all the crusty things!” Deb Jensen in the character of Olive retorts in a thick New York drawl, “Imagine. You’re lying in your bed, catching your zz’s, head on your pillow in the middle of the night, when suddenly you’re awakened by the EEEOOOOW of a moose call. That’ll wake you up.” Florence whines defensively, “I have to clear my sinuses.” “The hot seat is a way for us to get into character, and to develop our characters. Plus it burns time while we’re waiting for everyone to show up,” Roy explains.
Roy has been a member of Actors’ Mission since the get-go. He’s starred in several productions, and has previously directed the popular “American Century.” When I asked if he was intimidated to direct such a well-known writer and play, he nonchalantly answers, “No. I have to work on the set too much to get intimidated.”
“The Odd Couple” is sponsored by Sweetwater BOCES and by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. There is free admission for dinner and the show, but donations are always welcome.
The female version of Neil Simon’s Odd Couple will run December 4th , 5th, and 6th at 7:00 pm and on December 7th at 2:00 pm. As always, the Mission will provide dinner one hour prior to show times. Food offerings will include a New York menu of soups and gourmet coffees.
At the close of the rehearsal, I approach the Magic 8-ball on the table and ask, “Will this play be a hilarious good time for our audiences? I give it a good shake, flip it over and read the answer. “You bet.”