Black Dog Theatre's "The Odd Couple" was Hilarious

How are we going to make this work?

Black Dog Theatre (BDT) presented Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple (The Female Version).” Florence moves in with Olive when her marriage is failing. The pair are very different, and have to work out how to live together without ripping each other’s hair out.

You never know what shows the theater will introduce you to, and Black Dog Theatre’s production of “The Odd Couple” was hilarious. For those unfamiliar, like me, the female version flips the original male dynamic. BDT delivered a lively, character-driven show that captured the absurdity of Neil Simon’s work and a moral about roommate etiquette.

The story centers on two mismatched women: the messy, free-spirited Olive Madison and the tightly wound, obsessively neat Florence Unger. Judy Mullins (Olive) and Annie J. Hochheiser (Florence) created an outstanding dynamic.

Both had excellent comedic skills, working well off one another's deliveries and reactions. Mullins brought a strong female voice. Olive’s patience is tested a lot. I laughed at Hochheiser’s melodramatic performance when Florence reveals her marriage’s downfall. Her sliding off the chair into a sad pile on the floor was a memorable moment.

Their dynamic is important to the story. Roommate stories are relatable to anybody. Florence and Olive have their arguments, different lifestyles, and views. But, they’re still two women who are trying to figure themselves out. Mullins reveals subtle vulnerability to Olive, a woman who doesn’t wear her emotions on her sleeve, like Florence.

A solid ensemble plays supporting roles. Kellie Tropeano (Sylvie), Terra Heimbold (Mickey), Rita Gavelis (Renee), and Mary-Liz Murray (Vera) play Olive’s friends, who come over for poker nights. Each actress brings their own comical energy.

The women add their commentary to the affair. Aside from their drama talks, the women are closer than you think. I liked it when they individually returned to see if Olive would need help with Florence. That’s a sweet gesture that friends will always be here.

Florence and Olive have more company from Manolo and Jesus Constazuela, two Italian brothers played by Nate Abell and Aza Pietropaolo. Each was hilarious in their misunderstandings of the English language. The Constazuela brothers are more important than you think, creating tension between the women.

No theater show exists without a technical crew, who bring the show to life through set design, lighting, sound, costumes, and even a sandwich artist for food scenes. The costumes, provided by Dusty Behner and the cast, were very colorful and matched character’s personalities.

To make audiences feel like they were in a New York apartment, Chris Albrecht designed a realistic apartment on the Haverhill City Hall stage. It was a colorful set, with several props to make it resemble a comfy apartment. There was the poker table, the couch, and doors leading to the kitchen or bathroom, and more.

Todd Coolidge’s direction of the cast elevated the scenes and the comedy. He has an eye for character-driven stories and the moral. Coolidge said it best, “Olive and Florence may seem like opposites, but their conflict is about much more than mess and order,” he said, adding that it’s a story about loneliness and willing to be vulnerable.

That’s an aspect that not everybody thinks about when moving in with someone. You’re inviting them into your life, where you have hidden secrets and battles that you have kept from others.

Now I need to see the other version of “The Odd Couple.” Laughter echoed from audiences as they enjoyed the play. I look forward to seeing more Black Dog Theatre shows.