Nora and Delia Ephron (sisters) took the book “Love, Loss and What I Wore” by Ilene Bacmerman, added stories of some of their friends and their own experiences, and came up with a delightful production that hits home with most women and can tickle the funny bone of the guys in the audience. Sadly Nora Ephron died this past summer and left an enormous library of plays and books. Best known are “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and this play.
Of course it helps if you have five prima divas in the business – all of whom have appeared in “Love, Loss and What I Wore” at one time or another – to carry off the sensitive timing of this presentation.
Dawn Wells (Mary Ann from “Gilligan’s Island”), Zuzanna Szadkowski (from “Gossip Girls”), Dee Hoty (of “Mama Mia” fame), Sandra Tsing Loh and Ashley Austin Morris (“Ugly Betty”) are seasoned actors and their timing and delivery makes for a most entertaining show.
Karen Carpenter, who directed the original New York production, brings smoothness and experience to this offering.
Carpenter and her gals take you on a trip through life with their wardrobes and cover topics ranging from the badly lit fitting room and mother and daughter relationships, to the prom dress experience, finding the perfect bridal gown, heels, men, the missing favorite shirt and purses – just to name a few items covered. You will probably get a kick out of them -especially if your sense of humor has a good memory.
Five talented gals sitting on bar stools bring sensitivity and charm. An enjoyable time is had by all.
Camille Bounds is the Theatre and Arts Editor for Sunrise Publications.
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
Through: Sunday
Tickets: $23- $69
Details: (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.
