Relationships at heart of classic ‘Odd Couple’

FREEHOLD — The constantly beguiling laws of attraction take center stage during the ingenious and entertaining twist on the venerable “Odd Couple.”

“The Odd Couple: Female Version” by Neil Simon and directed by Ricky Selterman is the latest play to be presented at Center Playhouse, 35 South St., Freehold, opened March 6, and will run for five consecutive weekends through April 5.

Center Players, Freehold’s resident theater company, has chosen Neil Simon’s ageless and witty commentary about the wonderment of opposite personalities not only for pure enjoyment, but for inspiration to appreciate one’s own relationships and friendships throughout life.

“The Odd Couple: Female Version” is Simon’s own recrafting of his play made household-name famous with the hit television series starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall.

Through the energy of the talented cast and Selterman, the opening scene grabs immediately. A group of women are gathered at the apartment of divorcee and self-proclaimed “slob” Olive Madison, where they are playing a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit when in walks obsessive neatnik Florence Unger, freshly separated from her husband.

Olive and Florence, two polar opposites, soon find themselves as roomies, and discover through a hilarious set of ups and downs that even the best of friends sometimes make the worst of roommates.

” ‘The Odd Couple: Female Version’ ” explores these relationship themes with humor and compassion,” said Bob Szita, Center Players’ trustee and producer of the show. “The idea to present ‘The Odd Couple: Female Version’ was to combine the element of fun with a thought-provoking theme and refreshing human-interest perspective that the audience can take with them and potentially incorporate into their own lives. Throughout the history of Center Players, our goal has always been to give something more than entertainment; we strive to give the added, priceless value of inspiration, enlightenment, new perspectives, and motivation with each and every production.”

“The Odd Couple: Female Version” will be performed on Friday at 8 p.m. on March 13, 20, 27 and April 3; Saturday at 8 p.m. on March 14, 21, 28 and April 4; and Sunday at 2 p.m. on March 15, 22, 29 and April 5. The price for each performance is $24 per ticket; $22 for seniors (60 and older), students, and groups of 10 or more; includes complimentary beverage and desserts during intermission of each performance. In addition, dinner packages are available for $30 more per ticket at Metropolitan Café, 8 E. Main St., or Solo Trattoria, 7 South St. Tickets can be purchased by calling 732-462-9093, option 1, or by visiting www.centerplayers.org.