Addison Trail to present fall play, ‘The Odd Couple’

When Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna Jakubka Court chose “The Odd Couple” as the school’s fall play, she didn’t quite realize just how much work was ahead of her and her cast.

“I wanted to do a comedy, and I’m excited to do this play,” Jakubka Court said. “We are telling the story with a male cast and a female cast – so we’re basically doing two plays. The students have really stepped up to the plate and are doing a wonderful job."

“The Odd Couple” is set in New York and tells the story of Felix (in the male version)/Florence (in the female version) Unger, whose spouse recently filed for divorce. Unsure of where to go, Felix/Florence ends up at the home of Oscar (in the male version)/Olive (in the female version) Madison, who also is getting divorced. While the two are friends, their differences quickly become an issue and lead to seemingly endless comical situations. They truly are an “odd couple.”

“This play brings up life issues such as marriage and roommates, which I’ve been able to discuss with the actors and relate to their lives,” Jakubka Court said. “We’ve updated the story to ensure it resonates with today’s society."

Junior Michael Amadeo plays Felix and said it was a little difficult to play a character that’s so well known, as “The Odd Couple” has appeared on Broadway and was made into a TV show and a movie.

“I watched the movie and TV show to get into my character,” Amadeo said. “It has been great to work with my friends on this play.”

Playing Oscar is senior Alex Ramirez, who said he has tried to make his character unique. He said it has been a fun challenge with the girls to create the best performance.

In the female version of the show, senior Morgan Pirtle plays Olive, and senior Kala Keller plays Florence. Although they admit to being the opposite of their characters, Pirtle and Keller said they’ve enjoyed figuring out where Olive and Florence are coming from.

“I hope the audience has a good time,” Keller said. “I want them to forget whatever they’re going through and laugh and enjoy the experience.”

“The Odd Couple”
When: 7 p.m. on Nov. 7, 8 and 9 (also a 2 p.m. performance on Nov. 9)
*The boys will perform at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 9
*The girls will perform at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 9

Where: Addison Trail auditorium

Tickets: Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for students, $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To buy tickets, call 630-628-3365.

Donations: Students in Addison Trail’s Theatre Department are traveling to New York this spring to further their acting experience. Donations to help fund that trip will be accepted during the Nov. 7, 8 and 9 performances.

Cast list: To see the cast list, go to https://dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=1101.