University Players will complete its 2013/14 season with Alan Ball’s wickedly funny comedy Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, April 3 to 6 and 9 to 13 at Essex Hall Theatre.

At an ostentatious wedding reception in Knoxville, Tennessee, five reluctant and identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. These five very different women discover a common bond in this wickedly funny and sincere celebration of friendship and acceptance, sex, drugs, and wedding bells.

Written by the Oscar-winning screenwriter of American Beauty, True Blood, and Six Feet Under, the play is directed by drama professor Gordon McCall.

“We’ve had a ball putting this show together,” he says. “We’ve danced, laughed, sung, danced, laughed again, and just had an all-round great time rehearsing this show. It says something wonderful about this play that one can rehearse it for five weeks and still love coming to rehearsals every day.”

He says the cast and crew are looking forward to sharing these good times with their audiences, and offers special thanks to the many students and faculty who have volunteered as fictional wedding guests in the mock reception before the show.

“I hope you catch the bouquet or garter, whichever you prefer,” says McCall. “Whoopee! Welcome to Tracey and Scott’s wedding!”

Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. On Sunday, April 6, 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.