“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” follows five bridesmaids who gather in the bedroom of Meredith, the sister of the bride. While catching up, the women discover they all have more in common than just the same dress — they all have a history with the same man.

By Rebecca Wyatt Thomas, OU Web Writer

Steve O’Brien (CAS ’05) is on summer break from studying acting in graduate school at Florida State University. Rather than spend his time watching TV or lying in the sun, O’Brien came back to Oakland University and asked to work on a play. On Aug. 16, “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” will start a weekend of performances at Varner Lab Theatre.

A drama written by Alan Ball, “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” follows five bridesmaids who gather in the bedroom of Meredith, the sister of the bride. While catching up, the women discover they all have more in common than just the same dress — they all have a history with the same man.

The cast includes OU students Louise Herlihy, Jessalyn Guizzotti, Shari Montville, Leah Darany and Angelina Bray.

“After I had reserved the space for the performances, I got on Facebook and e-mailed every one I knew in the department and asked for people interested in doing a show,” O’Brien said. “I got seven girls and one guy who responded so I looked for a show with that ratio of guys and girl.”

Michael Gillespie, associate professor of theatre, suggested the show and without even reading it, O’Brien decided to go for it.

As director, O’Brien is doing a lot of writing, set design, lighting and other tasks but having previous directorial experience at Oakland has helped him prepare.

“I find I’m able to learn more about acting by directing. All of the stuff that I’ve learned while directing, I’ve been able to regurgitate while acting,” O’Brien said. “OU’s theatre department offers excellent one-on-one and small group experience with the faculty. It also requires the students to take active roles within the department, and from that, the students benefit greatly.”

“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” runs at Varner Lab Theatre on Aug. 16, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 18 and 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold only at the door. Admission is $5 for general admission and $3 for students.

Advertising opportunities are available. For more information, contact O’Brien at (248) 249-1655 or stevenaobrien@hotmail.com.