On April 25, the Northwood School community gathered in the Flinner Auditorium to watch senior Amanda Hinge’s production of The Odd Couple. The play was Amanda’s independent study, and she started getting organized in January, had auditions in February, and rehearsals started the week after. “I chose the play based on the amount of people interested. At the time I had more females than males,” said Amanda. “Someone suggested The Odd Couple (female version). I read the script and thought it was really funny, simple to do, and seemed, fun so I picked it.”
Hinge faced some challenges concerning the commitment some people had to the play. “I wanted the play to be the best it could be, and it was challenging to have to work with people who weren’t as motivated or passionate about this production as I was,” she said. Several people had quit the play in the middle of rehearsals and one cast member dropped out a week before the production, leaving Amanda to scramble to find replacements as quickly as possible. “After all, I did the show because I love theatre.” said Amanda.
Amanda is going to Skidmore College to major in theater along with communications and studio art. Her love for theater has persisted for years; she has been an artist since she was young. “I was in my second and fourth grade class plays. I went and watched the high school shows and couldn’t wait until I could perform in them,” she remembered. “I have acted, helped build sets, helped costume design for several shows in high school including The Love of Three Oranges, High School (Non) Musical, Rumpelstiltskin, Our Miss Brooks, and Annie. I also have worked and volunteered at the professional theatre in Westport, NY as an Assistant Stage Manager and Intern for the past three summers.”
Even though some of the cast members were added late, the play was a big a success. The students participating did an amazing job, including the ones who worked behind the scenes.
CAST and CREW
Amanda Hinge ’17 — Vera, director, costume, light and set design
Maddie McCarthy ’18 — Florence Unger
Courtney Fairchild ’20 — Olive Madison
Braelyn Tebo ’20 — Renee
Ms. Cency Middleton — Mickey
Sidney Williams ’18 — Jesus Costazeula
Garrett Hinge ’15 — Manolo Costazuela
Lexi Barile ’17 — Stage manager
Olivia Skriloff ’18 — Light and sound
