news-category: Performing Arts ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ Theatre Department Presents Neil Simon’s ‘The Odd Couple (Female Version)’ By Office of University Communications On October 4, 2022 Raleigh Wallace as Florence Unger, left, and Cara Cole as Olive Madison rehearse a scene from "The Odd Couple (Female Version)." Two Newcomers to GWU Play Lead Roles of Olive Madison and Florence Ungar BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āTwo newcomers to the ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University stage, freshman Cara Cole and sophomore Raleigh Wallace, play the lead roles in āThe Odd Couple (female version),ā presented Oct. 6-9 in Dover Theatre. In this female version of Neil Simonās hilarious contemporary comic classic, Olive Madison is divorced and living in cheerful chaos in her New York apartment. At her invitation, the suicidal Florence Ungar, newly separated from her husband, moves in. While Madison is unconcerned about the state of her apartment, Unger is obsessively clean. When their two styles clash, their friendship is tested to its limit. While this is their first play at GWU, Cole and Wallace are veteran actresses. Cole, a nursing major, had various roles in high school theater and is excited about being in her first college play. āI have always loved acting, because it gives me the opportunity to express myself in different ways,ā she shared. āI also love acting because of the people it brings into my life. I have met some of my closest friends while in a show and have also grown closer to people. It’s always super fun seeing people act in their own unique ways, and you can learn from them and lift each other up.ā From left, Erica Clontz plays Sylvie; Raleigh Wallace is Florence Ungar; and Mia Cotty plays Mickey. Standing behind is Cara Cole playing Olive Madison. Photos by Danielle Billups / GWU Photo Team Playing Madison has been a fun learning experience for Cole. āI feel like I go on this emotional roller coaster every time we run through the show,ā she described. āI like Olive because she is true to herself and not afraid to speak up and say what’s on her mind. It’s fun to play her because in real life, I have trouble speaking up and being blunt with people. But Olive is confident and very outgoing, which I admire about her character. The hardest part about learning her character is the aspect of diving into her sarcasm and very cutting tone. I remember the first note I got during rehearsals was that Olive āneeds more edge.āā In addition to acting, Wallace likes to write and direct short films and post them on YouTube. An American Sign Language major from Kansas City, Mo., she has acted in numerous plays and musicals. āMost recently Iāve been in āClue,ā āOur Town,ā āDescendants,ā and āLes Miserables,ā Wallace noted. āI want to give a shout-out to First Act Theatre Arts in KCMOāthank you, Mr. and Mrs. Milbournāand to my mom, who is coming all the way from Missouri to see the show.ā She added, āLive theater is powerful because each show only happens once. The actors and the audience experience something together that can never be replicated; it has to be experienced and appreciated in the moment. Iām really glad that this show is a comedy; I love making the audience laugh.ā Wallace said playing Unger is fun, but also a challenge because she has had to learn to be uncomfortably silly on stage, ālike playing a cartoon toddler on her worst dayāwhiny, melodramatic, and wanting to be the center of attention,ā she stated. āUsually, directors tell me to tone my acting down, so it feels strange to play Florence so ābig.ā I trust Dr. (Chris) Nelsonās judgment, and when he tells me to play Florence big, I do. I look silly, but thatās OK, because it makes the audience laugh!ā From left, Aliyah Eugene as Renee, Raleigh Wallace as Florence Ungar and Mia Cotty as Mickey rehearse a scene from āThe Odd Couple (Female Version).ā She also appreciates Cole and the rest of the cast and crew. āI feel at home when Iām on stage, and I feel at home with all of my castmates,ā she asserted. āCara is awesome, and we play off of each other really well. When she changes the way she says a line, I adjust to match her; when I add a new layer of motivation to something Florence does, I can feel Cara react. Everyone else in the cast is phenomenal, too, and Iāve had a blast with each and every one of them.ā Both actresses said the play offers laughs from start to finish. Cole offered that it reminds her of the āGolden Girlsā television sitcom from the 1980s. Wallace observed that the GWU cast has their own unique take on the script and concluded, āWeāre very excited to share with all of you.ā Showtimes are Oct. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available . Other Cast Members: Mickey: Mia Cotty Renee: Alyiah Eugene Sylvie: Erica Clontz Vera: Katrina Shauf Manolo: Gavin Weinstock Jesus: Jonah Hill Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request. ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„.edu. Raleigh Wallace as Florence Unger, left, and Cara Cole as Olive Madison rehearse a scene from "The Odd Couple (Female Version)."
News Article Alpha Sigma Lambda Celebrates Achievements of 17 GardnerāWebb Adult Students Honor Society Recognizes Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Character BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ Universityās Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society recently inducted 17 students. They were honored for their academic achievements, excellent character, and civic responsibility. Dr. Wendy Athens, director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning and Chapter Councilor, conducted the ceremony. She […] Office of University Communications | April 21, 2026
News Article Sigma Zeta National Math and Science Honor Society Inducts 24 New Members ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University Beta Tau Chapter Also Recognizes Seniors and New Officers BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āThe Beta Tau Chapter of Sigma Zeta National Honor Society held its induction ceremony recently. Honored were 24 new members, who received membership certificates and a T-shirt. The new officers were installed. Graduating seniors were recognized and presented with honor cords to […] Office of University Communications | April 21, 2026
News Article Bulldog Nation Raises Over $2.5 Million for Double Dawg Day 2026 More Than 1,300 Donors Support ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University Students, ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ and Athletics BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.āA shared sense of purpose and Bulldog energy fueled Double Dawg Day 2026 at GardnerāWebb University, as alumni, parents, employees, students and friends rallied behind the institutionās mission. More than 1,300 contributed over $2.5 million to support scholarships, academics, athletics and campus […] Office of University Communications | April 17, 2026
