College theater company presents comedic tale of the female spirit

QUEENSBURY, New York (Nov. 10, 2021) — Six-year-old Heather Ritchie threw open the curtains and belted out the words to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” like she was onstage at the Rialto. In reality, the first-grader was visiting her mom in the hospital, singing to patients and nurses. 

“That’s when she knew I was going to be a star,” laughed Ritchie, a second-year student at SUNY Adirondack majoring in English with a special focus on — you guessed it — theater.  

Next week, Ritchie will, indeed, be front and center in SUNY Adirondack’s production of “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” Alan Ball’s comedic tale of five reluctant bridesmaids hiding from an ostentatious wedding reception. 

“I play Georgeanne, a very troubled lady who is going through some stuff and not handling it well,” Ritchie said. “But she makes some true bonds with the other bridesmaids and comes out better than she started.” 

The story appeals to Ritchie because of its humor, but also its sincerity. 

“‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress’ is a wonderful play that is simultaneously very funny while also presenting great dramatic challenges to any company of actors,” said director Jarel Davidow.  

“This production is an incredible opportunity for our students to explore comedic timing and character development, and to celebrate this irreverent look at the female spirit,” said Johnna Maiorella, SUNY Adirondack Theater professor and producer of “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.” 

After attending her first year of college virtually last year, Ritchie — who serves as president of SUNY Adirondack’s Theater Club — said the camaraderie of being part of a cast was an added benefit. 

“Being part of the show creates that sense of community that we all need in the wake of COVID,” she said. 

“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” is also the first production of a newly forged collaboration between SUNY Adirondack and Charles R. Wood Theater. 

"The Wood Theater is thrilled to host the production of ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.’ As a former SUNY Adirondack student, I performed in this on-campus show nearly a decade ago and it’s very exciting to see a new generation of artists learning and performing,” said Emily Murphy, executive director of Wood Theater. 

“Five Women” is open to the public and will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18-20 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21. General admission is $14; free for SUNY Adirondack students and faculty with ID; $10 for seniors and other students; and $12 for SUNY Adirondack alumni and military. Tickets are available at the Wood's box office at 518-480-4878, by email at boxoffice@woodtheater.org or online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35085/production/1081674?performanceId=10864566.

“This is a great mutual relationship for the college and the theater, as well as a wonderful opportunity for the community,” Davidow said.