Making their directing debut, Charles and Kristin Nalley of Fr3lance Productions present “The Odd Couple,” to be performed at The Colonnade for two weekends in October.

In conjunction with their inaugural show, Fr3lance Productions is donating proceeds from the matinee performance on Oct. 20 to the American Cancer Society.

Charles said that, along with the donation, they and the American Cancer Society are sponsoring a barbecue for guests in-between the matinee and evening performance, as well as a “head shaving” party in honor of their friend and fellow actress, 19-year-old Kandis Guice, who was diagnosed with leukemia on Sept. 11. Several friends and family members have volunteered to shave their heads, but the venue is open to anyone.

“We just want to let her know she's not alone,” Nalley said. “The cancer is treatable and has a 90 percent cure rate. She's going to be fine, but we still want to support her and her family all we can during this time and do all we can to encourage cancer research awareness.”

Guice's boyfriend, Andrew Boone, who portrays Oscar Madison in “The Odd Couple,” said Kandis is in good spirits and is very grateful for all the support. Boone and Guice met while performing “Beauty and the Beast” (she was Belle; he was Beast) and soon became a couple afterwards. Guice is a regular performer at The Colonnade and has been in many productions.

“It was scary for her,” Boone said, “but she's going to be okay. Her doctor said, 'Noone wants to get leukemia, but if you're gonna have it, this is the kind you want.'“

Nalley said he hopes Kandis will feel up to making an appearance before the evening show so the crowd can meet her and show her their support in person. A benefit concert is also in the works for Nov. 9 to raise money for Guice's family. Tickets will be sold, as well as CDs of the event.

As a fledgling company, Nalley said they chose to cut their theatrical teeth on “The Odd Couple” because it's not only funny, but inexpensive and had a minimal cast. Described by critics as an “old-fashioned bromance,” the story brings a messy, divorced Oscar Madison and recently separated, fastidious and fussy Felix Unger to the stage.

When the two become roommates a tale of the clean-freak and the slob is born with hilarious results. Originally a play by Neil Simon, the first performance premiered on Broadway in 1965 and was followed by a successful film and television series.

Next up for Fr3lance Productions is the beauty shop stage version of “Steel Magnolias,” set to take the stage in the spring of 2013.

“We chose Steel Magnolias because it does well here in the south,” Kristin said. “We thought it would really appeal to the area. We scheduled it right around Mother's Day and we're hosting a tea, as well as a show. We thought it would be a nice way to celebrate for people. They can bring their mother to a tea and a play.”

They plan to tackle the classic “Bye Bye, Birdie” in the fall and are in the process of creating a Catoosa County Christmas Gala, featuring song artists and actors, a jazz band and possibly a silent auction.

Performances of “The Odd Couple” will be Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Oct 20, matinee at 1 p.m. Ticket prices: adults, $11; seniors and students, $9; groups of 15 or more, $8. Call 706-935-9000 or go to colonnadecenter.org.

The Odd Couple

The Colonnade Performing Arts Center

Performances: Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 20, 7:30 p.m.

Oct 20, matinee at 1 p.m.

Ticket prices: Adults, $11; seniors and students, $9

Groups of 15 or more, $8

Call: 706-935-9000

colonnadecenter.org