Staging their live-ly take on the chick flick with Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple (Female Version),"directed by Cathe Hall-Payne, the New Depot Players launch the 2014 theatre season this weekend.

The send-up centers on Florence Unger and Olive Madison as they merge households when Florence's marriage crumbles. Joining in the comedic fray are a peccadillo-filled group of friends and potential Latin lovers, not to mention the throwback ‘80s fashion accessories and hair, a legitimate ninth cast member.

Though best friends, the women are on opposite ends of the OCD spectrum. Josie Lawson exudes easy breezy charm as Florence, a sports junkie with a rather laissez-faire approach to cleaning and life in general. Lory Cox physically amazes as she inhabits Olive's high-strung, drama queen neat freak, down to her red-faced tirades and panic attacks.

Witnessing and commentating on the high jinx are mutual friends and Trivial Pursuit junkies - another ‘80's nod - Vera (Vanessa Outlaw), Sylvie (Lateefah Mosley), Mickey (Angela Short) and Renee (Abra Thurmond). Game night conversations abound with naughty commentary and good-natured ribbing. Particularly gratifying is the catty banter and energy between Outlaw and Mosley, borderline frenemies.

Adding another layer of spice are Spanish neighbors and dinner dates, Manolo and Jesus Costazuela. Rich Hummel and Richard Diaz, respectively, are a slapstick dream team.

Both lead actresses give immense credit to one another and their supporting cast. "She [Cox]does different things every night. The same with the rest of the cast... it's like a ball getting tossed around," says Lawson, "It's so much fun." Cox adds, "When you don't know what you're doing is when you know you're there in the moment. It's magic."

"This is the New Depot Player's gift of friendship to you," Hall-Payne informs the audience pre-show. Another reward would be the fantastic ‘80s "soundtrack" featuring Cyndi Lauper, The Bangles, Hall and Oates, etc., playing during transitions.

Preview Night is Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m.; all tickets are $10 for this night only. The play runs Feb. 27 - March 1 and March 6 - 8 at 8 p.m.; and March 2 and March 9 at 3 p.m. at 910 Center St. in Conyers.

To reserve tickets, visit www.newdepotplayers.com or call 678-374-3224. General Admission tickets are $16 and student/senior rates are $12. New this year is the season ticket option (see their site). For parties of 15+, use code ODD to get a $4 discount; also available for larger groups is the "Dessert Social" with cast and crew. Call for more details.