Old Dominion University Theatre Presents: 'Five Women Wearing the Same Dress'

October 16, 2014

Old Dominion University opens the fall season of theatrical productions with "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress," written by Alan Ball and directed by Konrad Winters, an associate professor in the Communication and Theatre Arts Department.

The popularity of the movie "Bridesmaids" and the TV Show "Say Yes to the Dress" suggests audiences enjoy the prospect of drama at weddings and receptions. In "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress," the bridesmaids come for the wedding but never make it to the reception. Instead, they talk in an upstairs bedroom and realize they may look the same on the outside, but their lives are very different once secrets come to light.

"This play is fun because it provides an opportunity to reveal the complex roles of women. It is a play that has many meanings, presented through each character, so that it relates to the personal experiences of our audience," Winters said.

This play explores the lives of five different personalities: the sheltered fundamentalist, the lesbian sister of the groom, the unhappy friend dealing with problems, the bride's younger sister with a dark secret and the cynic about men.

The play is defined as a comedic drama because every character brings a unique personality to the stage.

"Laughter, chuckles, smiles and, maybe, tears are the emotions that we hope to see from our audience," Winters said. A New York Daily News reviewer wrote: "'Five Women Wearing the Same Dress' is a fresh as a daisy comedy, funny as can be."

"Five Women Wearing the Same Dress" will be presented Oct. 22 through 25 and Oct. 29 through 31 as well as Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. All shows are at the Goode Theatre, 4600 Monarch Way. Tickets are $15 for students and $20 for the general public.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit oduartsix.com or call (757)683-5305.