COMMERCE, Texas -- A new twist on "The Odd Couple," one of
the most successful plays ever written by Neil Simon, will leave
audiences laughing at performances set Thursday, July 30, through
Sunday, Aug. 2, and Thursday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 9, at
Texas A&M University-Commerce.

This summer's production by the University Playhouse is the female version of "The Odd Couple," probably best remembered as a
popular television comedy in the 1970s.

Instead of the characters Alex and Felix as in the original production, there are the sloppy Olive, played by A&M-Commerce alumna and Commerce High School teacher Karri Anderson, and the neat freak
Florence, played by A&M-Commerce student Samantha Grace, who is graduating in December.

Directing the comedy will be Angela Cushing, a former middle school teacher at Pinnacle Academy of the Fine Arts in Fort Worth, who is graduating with a master's degree in August from A&M-Commerce.

"It's just been so fun working with our cast. I'm loving it," Cushing
said.

Performances will be in the intimate Studio Theatre of the Performing Arts Center, that brings the action up close to the audience.

"It's great, strong good American comedy at its best," said Jim Anderson, theatre faculty who is in charge of publicity for the show.

Playing boyfriends to the divorced Olive and Florence are Jason Brown, Greenville High School theatre teacher and A&M-Commerce
alumnus as Manolo, and Jacob Layton, Elsa undergraduate student as Jesus.

Also in the cast are Garland graduate student Holly Stone as the cop Mickey, Houston graduate student Lekethia Dalcoe as Sylvie,
and undergraduate students Denise Buckles of Caddo Mills as Renee and Chasity Gibson of Greenville as Vera.

The comedy is recommended for all but young children and includes mild strong language.

Lighting and set director is theatre faculty member Michael Knight and Jacob Layton is the sound designer.

Gerald Taylor of Commerce is makeup designer, with Yantis graduate student Donna Deverell designing costumes.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for children and students. The Playhouse Box Office is taking reservations at 903-886-5900. Seats for weekend shows are going fast.

Performances are 8 p.m. July 30-31, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 1, 3 p.m. Aug. 2, 8 p.m. Aug. 6-7, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 8, and 3 p.m. Aug. 9.