One of theater's favorite comedy playwrights, Neil Simon, wrote "The Odd Couple" about a pair of mismatched male roommates. The successful two act play appeared on Broadway in 1965. A film version in 1968 was followed by a television series in 1970. Simon wrote the female version of the popular comedy in 1985 based on the same story line, but with some character changes.

Under the direction of Ana and Raquel Pina, the Birdcage actors did justice to this hilarious female version. The play opens on the cluttered apartment of Olive Madison (Marchia Ryborz). It is a hot summer night and Olive is hosting a mixed bunch of good friends who meet weekly to play Trivial Pursuit. She serves squished sandwiches and hot sodas to satisfy their "munchies."

The longtime friends complement each other. Mickey, the cop (Sarah Pierce), is full of vibrant good cheer. Renee, the youngest (Rachael McCullough) is counseled by gentle Vera (Carole Falcon) and outspoken Sylvie (Ruby Thomas).

Missing from their ranks is Florence Unger (Cindi Gess). When a tearful Florence arrives, the friends learn she and her husband have broken up. Olive can sympathize as her own flaw is her ex-husband. Florence is a complainer with imagined health issues, and her friends are afraid she will commit suicide. Olive agrees to let Florence become her roommate while she "works things out." 

The second act opens on a clutterless room. Between Olive's slovenliness and Florence's neatness, a verbal battle erupts. "You're a human accident," Olive declares.

Against Florence's objections, Olive invites two brothers, who are both divorced, over for dinner. Formerly from Barcelona, Spain, where they worked for Iberian Airlines, the brothers now live in the apartment complex.

The play picks up pace when the men arrive. Manolo (Bill Falcon) and Jesus Constazuela (Terry Bartlett) are delightful as they seek to impress their hosts. But before long, Florence has them in tears. They leave before dinner.

After three weeks of roommate Florence, Olive has had enough and kicks her out of the apartment. This story becomes more laughable as the characters flounder through life. Falcon and Bartlett as the Spanish brothers were appealing with their shaky English, charm and high emotions. Their scene was one of the best scenes in this play, which at times moved tediously slow.

This female version of "The Odd Couple" is suggested for mature audiences. It has warmth and good humor guaranteed to keep audiences happy.

The Birdcage Theatre's female version of "The Odd Couple" runs at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., through Oct. 4. Tickets cost $10. Call 533-2473 for seating availability.