Professor Ann Marie Stewart may be the new director in town, but she brings acting experience and ideas in her attempt to generate student interest with a hip, cutting-edge production called “5 Women Wearing the Same Dress” written by Alan Ball.

This play isn’t exactly the stereotypical theater production with old-English dialect and classic, mushy love storylines. Instead, it is an adult play with racy language and sexual humor that is wickedly funny.

The student cast includes six Pitt-Johnstown students; five women and one man.

Kyle Stankan, a junior majoring in creative writing, said he is ecstatic to be a part of the cast.

“Being the only guy is a little intimidating because the women uphold the whole play,” said Stankan.

He said that even though the play may be offensive to some, it is still a great piece of art.

“If you aren’t offending anyone, it’s not art and you aren’t changing anything,” said Stankan.

Though Stewart said she has a interest and history in classic plays and playwrights, she chose Ball’s piece in hopes to spark an interest among students.

Stewart has been directing college-level productions for 10 years; she was also a professional actress for four years.

She said she can relate to the actors because of her experience.

“I know how they feel, and use that to provide them with positive comments with constructive criticism,” said Stewart.

The actors seem to transform completely into their character roles.

“I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect cast,” said senior cast member Lauren Wahl. “Everyone shines in their own way.”

Wahl, a theater major, has performed in every Pitt-Johnstown production since her freshman year. She said this experience of preparing for her final play has been bittersweet.

“We’ve worked really hard on this play and put in a lot of hours.

"It’s been a tedious, long process, but I do it for the love of theater, and it will all be worth it,” said Wahl.

Stewart said she is proud of the actors’ work.

“Their work ethic, positivity, energy and enthusiasm have completely blown me away,” said Stewart.

She also said that the trust that has been built among cast members is remarkable.

“We’ve really created a magical dynamic,” said Stewart.

Not all cast members are stage veterans. Jill Engelmeier, a senior communications major, made her major play debut in this production.

Last semester, Engelmeier played a supporting role in the student-directed production, Golganooza, but said that this was her first large acting role.

“I was intimidated at first, but all the actors gave me advice and really helped me feel more comfortable,” said Engelmeier.

It is a first traditional play role for junior Carissa Ciciarelli. She has performed in musicals, however.

Engelmeier’s character, Meredith, is one of five women, all bridesmaids at the same wedding, who escape the reception to find themselves in a bedroom discussing life, love and sex.

“At first it was a lot of work trying to un-derstand my character, but now it’s a lot of fun having the chance to transform into this completely different person,” said Engelmeier.

Engelmeier plays a 21-year-old bitter, dark and rebellious biker chick.

“The only thing I have in common with my character is our sarcastic personality,” said Engelmeier. “Other than that, we’re nothing alike.”

Stewart said that it is an ideal play for these college-age women as far as relating to their characters.

“It is perfect for them. All the characters are in their 20s and 30s, dealing with life, love, and happiness,” said Stewart.

Though some of the cast members may not have the same personalities as their characters, they are still able to relate to what their characters are saying and going through.

“My character and I are like night and day,” said Wahl.

Sophomore Taylor Casti also is a cast member.

Stankan said that during dress rehearsals, transformation into character is easier.

“Putting on the costume and the makeup makes you become your character. It’s exhilarating. The clothing itself brings life into your role,” said Stankan.

Stankan said that he hopes that those who have already seen the show will spread the word to others to see it firsthand.

“I hope that they (previous viewers) will spark interest among the students and it will be good enough for people to talk about it,” said Stankan.

The play is set in Knoxville, Tenn., at a wedding reception. Looking at the five bridesmaids, it would be hard to find anything in common, other than the dress they are wearing.

As the play goes on, however, they discuss sex, relationships, life, and the decisions that got them to where they are.

“I thought it was a good play for people our age,” said senior communications major Sydney Stern.

Stern attended Thursday’s opening night performance in the Studio Theatre.

“The play being in the black box set-up helped establish the intimacy between the characters and the audience. It was very entertaining,” said Stern.

Thursday’s audience was about 60 people, including about 40 students.

Theater students who attended Stewart’s debut night were impressed with the outcome.

Senior creative-writing major Dylan Fornoff has been in past Pitt-Johnstown Theatre productions. “I thought it was a very refreshing, contemporary theater piece with quick-clicking characters,” said Fornoff. “I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Further performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29-31 and 2:00 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center.