Oscar Madison and Felix Unger were out, replaced by Olive Madison and Florence Unger when Neil Simon in 1985 wrote the female version of his huge stage hit-turned TV smash, “The Odd Couple.”

Local audiences have the opportunity to see Freeport Players perform this version of the play, featuring Jen Musick as Olive Madison and Leah Douglass as Florence Unger. Directed by Keith Anctil of Westbrook, “The Odd Couple” opens at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, with Freeport Players’ traditional “pay what you want” preview. The show will continue on the following three weekends.

Elizabeth Guffey, artistic director and executive director of Freeport Players, said that a female take on “The Odd Couple” just made sense.

“’The Odd Couple’ male version is just so hugely popular, and there are always women looking for roles,” Guffey said. “He writes women’s roles very well, and it works nicely.” 

Musick has played in one Freeport Players show, while this is the Freeport debut for Douglass.

“Jen’s got a lot of energy and she’s terrific, and Leah is also terrific,” Guffey said. “They’re just having a great time together and on the stage. Leah and Jen – you can really believe they’ve been great friends over their lives. It’s delightful to watch.”

Anctil has been acting, directing, designing and teaching theater in southern Maine for three decades. He’s familiar with the female version of “The Odd Couple.”

“This show is so much fun,” Anctil said. “I performed it in high school in Rhode Island.  Neil Simon is a very funny writer. His dialogue is quick and it’s punchy. This is a really fun summer show. You laugh the whole time, and laughter is good for you.”

Antcil has acted in a couple of Freeport Players productions.

“I think they do great stuff,” he said. “There’s such a great arts community in Freeport. They’ve put together a really great team.”

The remainder of “The Odd Couple” cast includes Andrea Myles-Hunkin as Sylvie, Chelsea Cook as Micky, Hilary Manuel as Renee, Denise Shannon at Vera, Phil Chin as Manolo Costazuela and Eric Norgaard as Jesus Costazuela.

Leah Douglas, left, playing Florence Unger, holds her nose as Jen Musick, who is Olive Madison, puffs on a cigar in the female version of “The Odd Couple.” Freeport Players will present the play on weekends throughout the remainder of July.

A closer look

Freeport Players will present “The Odd Couple,” the female version, on weekends from July 15-31 at the Freeport Performing Arts Center. A preview performance is scheduled for Thursday, July 14, at 7:30 p.m. Regular show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, and Sundays at 2. Tickets, available at www.fpconline.org, are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.