Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Anyone making the trip to Valdosta to catch Theatre Guild Valdosta's (TGV) upcoming production of Neil Simon's classic comedy The Odd Couple, may see a couple of familiar faces. Madison natives Jonathan Cooks and Della Webb are appearing in the Valdosta production that opens on Thursday, June 1.
Cooks is playing the role of Oscar Madison, a somewhat irresponsible and incredibly untidy New York sportswriter who agrees to become roommates with his best friend Felix Unger, a fussy “neat freak.” What ensues is a hilarious pairing that disproves the notion that “opposites attract.” Cooks is a 2012 graduate of Madison County High School (MCHS) where he took drama classes. Cooks was also involved in drama productions at North Florida Community College (NFCC). Cooks graduated from Florida State University last fall with a B.S. in family and child sciences. Currently, Cooks is a Multimedia and Public Relations Manager at NFCC. Cooks says he has enjoyed working on this production with TGV. The Odd Couple marks Cooks' second appearance on the Valdosta stage. He was also seen in the TGV's 2016 production of Laffalot.
Della Webb is another Madison native and a 2008 graduate of MCHS. In the current TGV production, Webb plays the role of Gwendolyn Pigeon (one of the “coo-coo” Pigeon sisters) with whom Oscar sets up a double date for himself and Felix. Prior to making her TGV debut in The Odd Couple, Webb was seen on stage in Madison in several productions with the Sentinel Upstagers at NFCC, including the 2011 production of A Plot of Murder, and with Madison's RATT Pack theatre troupe in Always a Bridesmaid and Hallelujah Girls. “This show has been fun, I like the comedy aspect,” said Webb of her TGV experience. Currently, Webb is in graduate school at St. Leo University, studying human service administration. Webb is a Disability Center Resource Advisor at NFCC.
Neil Simon's The Odd Couple runs Thursday through Saturday, June 1 – 3 and 8 – 10 at 7:30 p.m. each evening. There will be a Sunday Matinee on June 4 at 3 p.m. Performances will take place in the historic 'Dosta Theater, located at 122 N. Ashley St, in Valdosta. Admission is $14 per performance. For reservations or for more information call (229) 24-STAGE or visit the TGV website at www.theatreguildvaldosta.com. Neil Simon's The Odd Couple is presented by special arrangement of Samuel French, Inc.