The Forman Ensemble Players took to the stage with their fall production of The Odd Couple (Female Version) in the Visual and Performing Arts Center Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater. The performance brought Neil Simon’s beloved 1985 Broadway comedy to life with warmth, humor, and purpose.
The program noted, “Our production highlighted the progress our society has made in raising mental health awareness from the 1980s to the present time, with a sprinkle of fun over the absurdity of the English language. In strong support of mental health awareness championed by our student leaders and our Counseling team, we have incorporated into our set design the logo of Morgan's Message: butterfly—symbol of Rebirth–to drive home this year's school theme, “Growing in Community", as we make meaningful connections through laughter, tears, frustration, and most of all, unconditional support for each other while practicing self-compassion and care for each others’ wellbeing.”
The performance was dedicated to Forman’s Counseling team for their “tireless championing of and caring for our mental wellness.”
“We were undoubtedly energized by the audience’s warm receptivity to the ‘odd’ marriage between the merriment of entertainment and the messaging of empathy!” shared Lily Chen, Director of the Thinking and Writing Department, who directed the play.
Cast List, in order of appearance:
SYLVIE — Fenan Sloan Arondeau ’26
MICKEY — MJ Gillies ’27
RENEE — Alina Yosua ’28
VERA — Lilianna Ruis ’27
OLIVE MADISON — Bee Bradford ’27
FLORENCE UNGER — Cecily Cooper ’26
Arts Teacher Tammy Grella served as Technical Director; Cognition and Learning Teacher Becky Stull was the Assistant to Production; Arts Teacher Jack Farrell photographed the play; and Nolan Briggs ’26 served as Stage Manager. Maggie Rudzavice ’26 was the Assistant Stage Manager, Iris Marino ’28 was the Sound/Mic Board Operator, Lilianna Ruis ’27 designed the poster, Raina Zgheib ’28 served as Makeup Artist, and Daniel Kirschner ’28 assisted with the backstage crew. Ella Achuck ’29, Penny Kobak ’27, and Phinn Thompson ’29 helped construct the set.
“With respect and gratitude, I commend our cast and crew for their generous investment in the process and their fierce commitment to the Ensemble–regardless of individual circumstances that challenged our well-laid plans to sustain focus and flow,” shared Lily.
She added, “Watching from behind the curtains with the duel-focal-point lens of what was happening on the stage and in the auditorium, I was consistently moved by the synergy between the Ensemble and the audience to co-create a night of laughter and bonding that speaks volumes of our collective support to normalize conversations around mental health. A play is simply a vehicle for theatrical expression; a synergized production is the real magic of theater!”
Forman’s winter musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, will be presented on February 22nd-24th, 2026.
