University Players will begin its 2012/13 season with Jake’s Women, September 20 to 23 and 26 to 30 at Essex Hall Theatre. This delightful comedy is one of Neil Simon’s most engaging plays.

Jake is a writer who is more successful with fiction than with real life. A series of wildly comic and sometimes moving flashbacks play out in his mind, but are interrupted by reality as he struggles to keep his marriage together. This clever juxtaposition of the real and the unreal will keep you on the edge of your seat as Jake takes the next step to put his past to rest and embrace his future.

“The magic of writing plays lies in the ability to make anyone you want appear on the stage,” says drama professor William Pinnell, the play’s director. “Jake, however, plays this ‘summoning game’ too often, making it difficult for him to know when he’s functioning in reality or in his imagination. The women start to take over Jake’s life… until a revelation cracks like a bolt of lightning.”

Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. On Sunday, September 23, a “Talk Back” discussion with the director and actors will follow the performance.

For information or tickets, call 519-253-3000, ext. 2808, or visit www.UniversityPlayers.com.