The lights will be on tonight inside the historic Habersham Community Theater as the cast and crew welcome their first live audience in 15 months. The Odd Couple, Female Version finally begins its run after being delayed last year due to the pandemic.
The production is directed by Alta Moseley, who says she has the “distinct privilege” of directing the longest-running show in rehearsal in HCT’s history. “We are excited to finally be opened again,” says Moseley’s fellow HCT Board Member Lynne Warren.
Tonight’s show marks the long-awaited return of live community theater to Clarkesville. HCT closed last July because of the pandemic. The theater board made the difficult, but necessary decision at that time to postpone all of its shows: Public health concerns and COVID-19 restrictions made it impossible for the theater to operate as a live venue.
The HCT theater company did provide some much-needed pandemic relief for themselves and their fans with recorded shows and theatrical numbers on YouTube and Instagram. They continued to rehearse virtually, and later, when allowed, in-person, during the longer-than-expected hiatus.
“We started in January 2020,” Moseley says of The Odd Couple. “We tried to put it on in April. We tried to put it on in July. It’s now 2021 but, we’re back!”
The female version of Neil Simon’s popular show centers around six ladies who meet weekly for their game of Trivial Pursuit and contemplate dating and divorce, money and mayhem, and dealing with a neurotic hypochondriac. Throw in a couple of guys having trouble with the English language, and it’s the perfect recipe for a fun, laughter-filled evening.
Odd Couple cast member Sheila Humphrey says returning to the stage with her fellow castmates is “like an old time family reunion.”
“It’s really awesome being able to come up here and do this. It’s been so long since we’ve been on stage,” says Humphrey. “I love working with these people. We’ve had a great time!”
Adds Lisa Love, “It’ll be great to have a live audience that people can interact with all of us and we can get that energy.”
Recently, the theater unveiled its 2021-2022 season line-up. Upcoming shows include Big Fish, A Christmas Carol; Flaming Idiots; The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; and The Drowsy Chaperone.
Performances of the Odd Couple, Female Version are June 10-13 and 17-20. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children and full-time students.
There are some tickets still available that can be purchased online or through the theater box office by calling (706) 839-1315.
