University Players will present the thrilling and comedic mystery Nine Girls March 7 to 10 and 13 to 17 at Essex Hall Theatre.

It is a dark and stormy night when eight sorority girls meet at their mountain clubhouse, and discover that their ninth member has been murdered. Their quirky banter makes you forget the seriousness of the situation, and none suspect that one of them could be the killer—until Alice discovers a clue and confides in the wrong girl. Will the girls figure out the true identity of the killer? And how far will the killer go to cover her tracks?

“This play is one of those guilty pleasures, the chocolate and wine of theatre,” says the play’s director, drama professor Brian Taylor. “But what makes it more than a standard play is the cast of fully conceived characters: young women complete in their attitudes, needs, and reactions, all bursting with life.”

Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. On Sunday, March 10, 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.