THE ODD COUPLE
by by
NEIL SIMON NEIL SIMON
November 13- 15, 2024 November 13- 15, 2024
Ophelia & Juan JS. Roca Theater
Ophelia & Juan JS. Roca Theater
Directed by Isidora Ulloa
The Odd Couple
By Neil Simon
This classic comedy opens on a friendly card game in the untidy apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Ungar, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together. The action unfolds with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.
“The Odd Couple” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Some props provided by John Shorter at PROP RENTALS NY.
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
Director’s Note
Welcome to The Odd Couple! Bringing this production to life has been both a challenge and a joy as I took on my first opportunity to direct our high school students. Throughout this journey, these talented young actors have not only grown as performers but have also encouraged me to grow as a director. Their dedication, resilience, and willingness to step beyond their comfort zones as actors, designers, crew members, and parts of the production team have created magic in a bottle for this Fall Mainstage play.
The Odd Couple is a play that, on the surface, is about two mismatched friends sharing an apartment, but it’s much more at its core. This production reveals the strength of friendship, the importance of compassion, and the transformative power of kindness—all values deeply aligned with our Catholic Jesuit principles. Here, there is no grand spectacle or musical interludes; instead, the focus is on relationships, human connection, and how we lift each other up through life’s challenges.
In keeping with the Belen Jesuit formation of men for others, the characters in The Odd Couple demonstrate the courage to love and support one another despite their differences. They remind us of the importance of seeing beyond our own perspectives, extending grace, and choosing empathy. I am profoundly grateful for the way our cast and crew have embodied these values, creating a supportive and collaborative environment that has brought depth and authenticity to this production.
Thank you to our incredible cast, crew, and all those who have supported this journey. I invite you to join us in witnessing not just a comedy, but a story of friendship, resilience, and the beautiful ways in which we grow through caring for one another. Enjoy the show.
Isidora Ulloa Director
Sponsor of Troupes 4666 & 88710
Cast
Oscar Madison...................................Maximo Garcia-Tunon ‘25
Felix Ungar……..................................................Matias Rosado ‘25
Speed………................................................…Maximo Granados ‘27
Murray…...........................………………............…Gabriel Vazquez ‘25
Roy……….……….............................................….Jose Ballesteros ‘26
Vinnie…............................................................Gonzalo Lacayo ‘28
Gwendolyn Pigeon........................................Audrey Dominguez
Cecily Pigeon............................................................Chloe Campo
Understudies................................................Gabriel Vazquez ‘25
Gonzalo Lacayo ‘28, Miguel Pittier ‘28
Crew
Director……………......................…...........................……Isidora Ulloa
Assistant Director..........................................Alberto Sosa III ‘26
Stage Manager.…….…..................................….Bastian Byrnes ‘28
As. Stage Manager.....................................Nicolas Murciano ‘28
Set Design...................................................Alejandro Castillo ‘29
Lighting Design....………...................................…Enzo Mikulski ‘30
As. Lighting Design.....................................Christian Alvarez ‘30
Sound Design....…………..........................................Patrick Fals ‘29
Costume Design.........................................Javari McFarlane ‘29
As. Costume Design..........................................Miguel Pittier ‘28
Prop Master.......................................................Jose Zequeira ‘25
Poster Design/Marketing.............................Gonzalo Lacayo ‘28
Video Marketing............................................Gabriel Vazquez ‘25
Lighting Technician………...................................Jorge F. Labayen
Sound Technician……...................................…...Lorenzo Saldaña
Stage Building.........................Belen Jesuit Maintenance Team
Stage Run Crew....................................................Dylan Seits ‘29 Lukas Brouwer ‘28
Christian Garcia-Pons ‘27, Miguel Pittier ‘28
Who's Who in the Cast
Jose Ballesteros (Roy): Jose is very excited to add more variety and personality to Belen Jesuit Preparatory School's The Odd Couple. Starting his acting debut in Archimedean Middle Conservatory in 6th grade, Jose has adjusted well to Belen. When he's not in school, Jose loves playing rock music on his guitar and playing video games. He wants to give a special thanks to his mom for always supporting his dreams and ambitions!
(Cecily Pigeon): Chloe is very excited to participate in Belen's production of The Odd Couple. She is a student at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart and an active member of its theater program. Chloe has been part of numerous productions, with her favorite being The House of Bernarda Alba at Stagedoor Manor, where she played Martirio. She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her passions and Mrs. Ordonez and Arnau Alvarez for all they have taught her.
Audrey Dominguez (Gwendolyn Pigeon): Audrey Dominguez is one of the newest additions to the Belen Theatre. She is very grateful and excited to play Gwendolyn Pidgeon on stage in front of everyone. She hopes people enjoy her attempt at a British accent.
Maximo Garcia-Tunon (Oscar Madison): Maximo is a dynamic 17-year-old senior at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, renowned for his work as both an actor and a media entrepreneur. A passionate performer since age two, Maximo has acted in over 30 productions spanning theater, television, and film over the past decade. His dedication to the craft has earned him recognition both locally and internationally. Whether on stage, in front of the lens, or behind the scenes, Maximo is an emerging force in the entertainment industry with a bright future ahead.
Who's Who in the Cast
Maximo Granados (Speed): Maximo Granados is very happy to call The Odd Couple the tenth show he has performed in. Working with the Miami Children’s Theater during the summer and Belen Jesuit during the school year, Maximo has been acting since the 4th Grade and shows no signs of stopping.
Gonzalo Lacayo (Vinnie): Gonzalo Lacayo is a 9th grader at Belen Jesuit. Gonzalo started in theater as Ponyboy in The Outsiders in 7th grade, then Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing, Henry in The Fantasticks, in the middle school plays All The Ways The World Will End But Not You, and in The Extremely Important Greenvale High Student Body Election as Larry Langston. Gonzalo is very thankful to be a part of this play and to work on The Odd Couple with his peers. He would like to thank the Belen Drama Program, Ms. Ulloa, the assistant directors, and his family for supporting him throughout his plays.
Matias Rosado (Felix Ungar): Matias is a Senior at Belen who is very excited to perform in The Odd Couple. He is stoked to be playing his dream role of Felix, a character with whom he has maybe a little too much in common. After playing Steve The Outsiders, Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing, the Mute in The Fantasticks, and Slim in Of Mice and Men, this is his fifth production at Belen. He would like to thank Ms. Ulloa, the assistant director Alberto, and finally, his sister Mia, who introduced him to theater in the first place. Enjoy the show!
Gabriel Vazquez (Murray): Gabriel is a senior at Belen who is excited to participate in The Odd Couple. His most recent credits include Worker in Hadestown, William Barfee in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Crooks in Of Mice and Men. He would like to thank the cast, crew, Ms. Ulloa, and Alberto Sosa for entrusting him with the role of Murray. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their support. He would especially like to thank Max and Matias for sharing their penultimate show experience in Belen!!!
Who's Who in the Crew
Lukas Brouwer (Run Crew): Lukas Brouwer is a 9th grader at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. He is very excited to participate in this production of The Odd Couple. Some of his past credits include Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid and Oaken in Frozen. He has also competed for his school at the Academic Olympics, earning second place in the performing arts category. He wants to thank his mom and dad for always accommodating their busy schedules to pick him up from circular activities.
Bastian Byrnes (Stage Manager): Bastian is thrilled to participate in his second show, The Odd Couple, as stage manager. This is his second show at Belen as stage manager, with his last one being The Extremely Important Greenvale High Student Body Election. He is an active member of the Belen community, and when he is not helping backstage, he plays tennis for the Wolverines. He would like to thank God for this opportunity and his parents for always picking him up after rehearsals.
Alejandro Castillo (Set Designer): Alejandro Castillo has been lucky to be a part of multiple Belen Jesuit Productions, such as Of Mice and Men and Much Ado About Nothing, but this show is the most exciting for him because he gets to be a part of the production team and design the set for The Odd Couple. He is very excited to start his new journey as a designer.
Patrick Fals (Sound Designer): Patrick is very ecstatic to work on The Odd Couple. He is a junior thespian who participated in Drama last year but is working on a Belen play for the first time! Though he is a junior thespian and is working on this play, he has other hobbies such as water polo, painting, and listening to lots of music!
Who's Who in the Crew
Christian Garcia-Pons (Run Crew): Christian Garcia-Pons is very excited to begin his journey in the drama department, even as a sophomore. Although he may not be appearing on stage today, he’s gonna be helping in the back all night. Keep your eye on him because one day, he will be on stage in front of everyone to see.
Javari McFarlane (Costume Designer): Javari is very excited to use his creativity to use in this role. This is Javari’s first show as a crew member, and he is thrilled to assist in it. He was influenced into doing this role because he enjoys the art of design. His goal is to do a successful job in his role so that everyone enjoys the show. He also hopes to ensure the actors have an amazing time in their cool swag.
Enzo Mikulski (Lighting Designer): Enzo is very excited to make his theater debut as a lighting designer with Belen Jesuit’s The Odd Couple. He loves being a 7th grader at BJPS. When he's not in school, Enzo enjoys Video Games and playing tennis. You'll find him on the Belen Tennis team in the Spring. He wants to thank his Mom and Dad for always picking him up from curricular activities!
Nicolas Murciano (As. Stage Manager): Nicolas Murciano is a freshman at Belen Jesuit and has been here since 6th grade. He joined the theater program in 7th grade and has loved it ever since. He has done the plays such as All the Ways the World Could End but Not You and The Extremely Important Greenvale High Student Body Election. Now he is doing The Odd Couple, and this is the first time he has worked off stage, and he loves it. He wants to thank his parents for supporting him and the director, Ms. Ulloa. And he can’t wait until the next show.
Who's Who in the Crew
Miguel Pittier (As. Costume Designer and Understudy):
Miguel Pittier is a 9th grader at Belen Jesuit. He is very excited to participate in this production of The Odd Couple. Some of his past credits include “Candy” in Of Mice and Men, “Les” in Newsies, and “Genie” in Aladdin. He has also competed in the Florida Thespian Competition, earning a “Superior” at the District level for a “Solo Musical,” as well as one for a Duet Musical at the state level. Miguel would like to thank his friends and family for always supporting him.
Dylan Seits (Run Crew): Dylan is very enthusiastic about participating in the Belen Jesuit Play, The Odd Couple. This is Dylan’s second play for Belen, and he’s very excited. For fun, Dylan enjoys broadcasting for the school and playing sports with friends. Dylan thanks everyone who helped him get involved and gave him this opportunity.
Jose Zequeira (Prop Master): Jose is very excited to manage the props at Belen’s The Odd Couple production. His senior year marks his debut in Belen Theater, organizing, buying, and 3D printing props. Jose manages Belen’s Robotics Team and leads outreach for the Computer Science Club. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and Ms. Ulloa for directing the show and inviting him to participate and his friends for getting him into it. He also wants to thank Mr. Perez for introducing him to and supporting his interest in Belen’s STEM programs and his family's unending support.
Christian Alvarez (As. Lighting designer): Christian is very excited to start his theater debut as a lighting designer in this amazing production of The Odd Couple. He wants to thank God for all the opportunities He has given him and his parents for everything they have done for him.
Director’s Bio
Isidora Ulloa is the proud sponsor of the Junior Thespian Society Troupe 88710 and new sponsor to the Senior Thespian Society Troupe 4666. Last year, the Junior Thespian students took home four straight Superior ratings at the 2023 District 4 Thespian Competition and four Superior and one Excellent rating at the Junior Thespian State Festival in Orlando, FL.
She is also an accomplished actress. Past credits include Carla in In The Heights (Adrienne Arsht Center), Gillian in 37 Postcards (Main Street Players), and u/s Nina & Vanessa in In The Heights (Measure for Measure Theatre). She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre in 2019, earning an Irene Ryan Best Actress Nomination at the KCACTF Region 4 Festival. Over the summer, Isidora was a resident actor in LakehouseRanchDotPNG’s DotPDF Series, which featured a collection of work from playwrights nationwide.
Isidora would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support, especially during tech week when she disappears off the face of the earth.
Assistant Director’s Bio
Alberto is an eleventh grader at Belen Jesuit and is extremely excited to come on board to assist in directing Belen’s production of The Odd Couple. Alberto looks forward to expanding his theater experience by helping the show's actors perform to the best of their ability. He has also been part of Belen Theater for the past three years and greatly enjoys seeing how our amazing theater program continues to grow! When not working in a show, you can find Alberto singing in the choir loft, performing service hours with Key Club, or spending time with his family.
Special Thanks:
Fr. Willie García-Tuñón, S.J. ‘87
José E. Roca ‘84
Patricia Bustamante
Olivia Zarraluqui
Peter Perez
Johnny Calderin ‘92
Teresa Martinez
Román Martínez
Orlando García
Ariel Núñez
Lazaro Saldaña
Lino Ayala
Ramon Dovale
Vicky Ruíz
Leo Urbina
Matthew Jordan ‘08
Br. Hunter D'Armond, S.J.
Debbie Consuegra
Mario de Armas
Roberto Gonzalez
The Cast & Crew
AB Production Team
The Theater Parents
The Ulloa Family
