Mary Weiss, left, as Florence Unger, and Rexi Chaos, right, as Olive Madison in Theater Ensemble Art's production of Neil Simon's “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” this month at the Totah Theater. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)
Mary Weiss, left, as Florence Unger, and Rexi Chaos, right, as Olive Madison in Theater Ensemble Art's production of Neil Simon's “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” this month at the Totah Theater. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)

Theater Ensemble Arts is bringing Neil Simon to the next generation with its staging of The Odd Couple (Female Version), which opens April 17 at the Totah Theater.

Twenty years after The Odd Couple debuted on Broadway in 1965, Simon rewrote the comedy in 1985 for a female cast. Felix Unger became Florence Unger and Oscar Madison became Olive Madison.

Starring Rita Moreno and Sally Struthers, the production premiered June 11, 1985, at the Broadhurst Theatre and, like many Simon plays, became a hit.

Now, Theater Ensemble Arts Director Chuck Holmes has brought together a cast of TEA regulars along with some new faces to stage The Odd Couple in Farmington.

“There’s another generation that needs to know about Neil Simon,” Holmes said. “He’s the Shakespeare of the 20th Century.”

Kelly Charlton, left, as Mickey; Rexi Chaos, center, as Olive Madison; and Milena McCarty, as Vera, in Theater Ensemble Art's production of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (Female Version) this month at the Totah Theater. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)
Kelly Charlton, left, as Mickey; Rexi Chaos, center, as Olive Madison; and Milena McCarty, as Vera, in Theater Ensemble Art's production of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (Female Version) this month at the Totah Theater. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)

Directing the show helped Holmes develop “a new appreciation” for Simon, and it introduced some cast members to the playwright’s work.

“I’m a big sitcom fan. I really like the sitcom elements of the show,” said Rexi Chaos, who portrays Olive.

Chaos described her character as a “secret control freak” who actually needs the friendship she is developing with Florence.

“It’s very fun,” said Mary Weiss, who portrays Florence.

Weiss has appeared in four TEA productions, but this is her first lead role.

Amanda McCaleb plays Renee, whom she described as an “interesting, nervous type.”

McCaleb said it has been enjoyable to work with “some women new to TEA.”

Saydie Charley, left, as Sylvie; Mary Weiss, center, and Kelly Charlton, right as Mickey, in Theater Ensemble Art's production of Neil Simon's “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” this month at the Totah Theater. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)
Saydie Charley, left, as Sylvie; Mary Weiss, center, and Kelly Charlton, right as Mickey, in Theater Ensemble Art's production of Neil Simon's “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” this month at the Totah Theater. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)

Those women include Milena McCarty as Vera, Saydie Charley as Sylvie and Kelly Charlton as Mickey.

Rounding out the cast are Scott Drayer as Manolo and Daniel West as Jesus, who West said “is a sexy Spaniard living in the U.S.”

The Odd Couple (Female Version) will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 and at 2:30 p.m. April 26 at the Totah Theater, 315 W. Main St. in Farmington.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 505-326-2839.