Some bridesmaids' dresses are uncomfortable, some are outrageous colors and some are downright ugly.

But in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, these garments are what bring the characters together.

The play, presented by the University Resident Theatre Company (URTC), opens this Friday at 8 p.m.

The story focuses on five bridesmaids seeking refuge from a wedding reception in the bedroom of the bride's younger sister, Meredith.

"She's really bitter about living in the bride's footsteps," Andrea Runge, (graduate-theatre) who plays Meredith Marlow, said of her character. "She doesn't know what she wants to do with her life, so she's rebellious."

Runge said each of the five characters has a distinct personality and conflict with themselves.

"The theme of this show is all about different women -- kind of like Sex In the City," she said.

The play features six different characters -- the five bridesmaids and one of the wedding's ushers, Tripp Davenport, played by Kevin Murphy (graduate-theatre).

Murphy is the only male featured in the performance, including the production staff. The director, designers and stage managers are also all women.

"It's an absolute ball [as the only man]," Murphy said. "My character comes in near the end and adds a new wrinkle [to the plot]."

Murphy said his position has several perks.

"I have my own dressing room, so I can feel like a real big shot," he said.

Runge said the cast makes the experience worthwhile and interesting.

"It was fun to be with all women because it kind of reflects what the play is all about," Runge said, adding that the show is about "random women coming together and bonding."

The play was written by Alan Ball, who has written and directed the television show Six Feet Under, as well as a few other plays.

"It's interesting that this is a male playwright writing in a female's perspective," Murphy said.

The play is also featuring a special raffle for anyone who comes to the show dressed in a bridesmaid dress.

The costumed audience members will be entered to win "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" according to Penn State Live.

"Darker issues are presented throughout the play, but it's a comedy," Runge said.

Runge added that "We're meant to laugh. The dresses that we're wearing -- that alone is funny."