‘The Odd Couple(s)’: A tale of universal heartbreak

“The Odd Couples” is a play based on real situations that recognizes the process that men and women go through when dealing with heartbreak and relationships. The male version of the play was held on May 6 at 8 p.m. in the Campus Inn Theater.

The original play is about two men in the 1960’s who are going through divorce and decide to move in together to support one another, but their different personalities clash and put their friendship to the test. Director Michael Garcia felt it was an appropriate time to choose this production because the themes are universal and relevant to people and their relationships today.

Though the female version leans more on feminism and empowerment, both shows are identical and cast members said there was no competition among them. In fact, all cast members were supportive of each other and even helped with line-reading and ushering for each other’s shows.

The objective of the show is to have audiences questioning: Who’s got it worse? The men or the women?

“Heartbreak is felt the same for everyone, yet, every way is unique. Guys deal with things individually whereas girls deal with things as a group.” Caleb James Miller, a cast member, said.

At first, the cast felt their biggest challenge would be that their group of twenty-somethings would not successfully capture and project the emotions that their 40-year-old characters experienced, but to their surprise, they felt the situations in the show hit very close to home as they related to their characters and their internal struggles.

“Friends, friends, friends. Have friends. Don’t grieve in silence and remember that it’s okay to mourn if you have to.

— Vanessa Hernandez

In the beginning of the show, thoughts of suicide as well as depression and loneliness were acknowledged by the characters, but were done with a dark, comedic twist.

By making these situations into a comedy, they hope the audience can relate to the issues and reflect on the love and the people they have around them and remind them that it’s okay to sit down and forget about the bad things in life and just have a good laugh about them.

In today’s crazy world, it is important to remember the people who are there to help in our times of need and to ask ourselves how far we would go to help them in return.

“Friends, friends, friends. Have friends. Don’t grieve in silence and remember that it’s okay to mourn if you have to.” Vanessa Hernandez, the cast member who played Cecily, said.

“Always reach out. It is the most human thing in the world.” Miller said.

The Rio Hondo Theater Department is focusing now more than ever on creating productions that will provide an escape for audiences and remind them that they are not alone in the things they feel. The more realistic the stories are, the more effective they will be.

The department is excited for more projects to come, such as “MMMBeth!” for their summer production and their highly-anticipated, “The Laramie Project” set for the fall.

“The Odd Couples” will be shown again on May 12 and 14 at 8 p.m. and May 13 and 15 at 2 p.m. at the Campus Inn Theater. Audiences of all ages are welcome.

For more information on this production or future shows and auditions, contact William Korf ([email protected]) or Kerry Farmer ([email protected]).