Local female actresses dominate the stage in upcoming play

MARQUETTE — Local director Martyn Martello is back at it again as opening day for his newest production, ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,’ fast approaches.

The play follows the post-wedding ceremony girl-talk between five bridesmaids, who are all slightly estranged from the bride and have very little interest in the wedding or the bride herself. The cast says this dark-comedy will have the audience doubling over in laughter one moment and passing the tissues the next as they hit on relatable topics like failed plans, heartbreak and rebuilding relationships.

“This is a story to grab your best friend and talk dirt about the girl who always made you feel less than beautiful, less than smart and kind of have a little bit of fun at her expense,” said Monet Chartier, who plays ‘Georgeanne.’

“The show is written really approachably,” said Ella Filipowicz, who plays ‘Mindy,’ “Some of the references are dated, but I don’t think any of the material is dated. It’s really universal-women questing for who they are and where they want to be in life, how their choices have affected where they are.”

With just a six-character cast, the play highlights what Martello calls a strong female gene-pool in the local theatre scene, casting five well-known female actresses from the area. Viewer discretion is advised as adult content and language is present throughout the play. Opening night is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Block Box Theatre at Northern Michigan University. It will run through Saturday.