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“Love, Loss, and What I Wore” is one of those plays that I had heard a lot about but had never seen. It’s frequently mentioned in the same breath as “The Vagina Monologues” because of its subject matter (seeming to be directed specifically to women), its episodic nature and oft-rotating cast of ladies giving readings.
Having seen and loved “The Vagina Monologues” several times during its run in the city, I have to say that “Loss, Loss, and What I Wore” is actually the superior play. No offense to Eve Ensler (who wrote “The Vagina Monologues”) but Ilene Beckerman, who wrote the “Love, Loss and What I Wore” book, and Nora and Delia Ephron, who co-wrote the play, have definitely created a piece of work that is not only more entertaining, raucously funny and poignant, but it’s also universal in the fact that from beginning to end it’s completely relatable to pretty much all humans over the age of consent.
On opening night at the Southampton Cultural Center, Michael Disher’s production of the play, which originally made its worldwide debut as a part of the 2008 summer series at Guild Hall in East Hampton, more than delivered. The house was packed and the audience (Yes, even the men. Actually, especially the men.) was more engaged than at just about any play I have ever seen here on the East End. They were practically rolling in the aisles, sobbing into their sleeves and heartily applauding frequently between scenes.
The energy in the room was contagious. What a treat for the actors—Ms. Beckerman, Barbara Jo Howard, Deborah Marshall, Catherine Maloney and Bethany Dellapolla on Thursday night—as well as for those in attendance.
One of the primary reasons of the success of the play on opening night was certainly Ms. Beckerman herself, who at the age of 77 made her stage debut. Playing the role of Gingy (herself) and of the narrator, Ms. Beckerman’s funny, casual, conversational style made it seem as if she was telling stories to friends in her living room. She set the tone and was the standard-bearer for the rest of the cast. Bravo, I say. Bravo.
Ms. Beckerman’s illustrations of the clothes described in the dialogue also served as characters in the play. What can I say, they were perfect. Even better, she gave a drawing lesson toward the end of Act II, which alone was worth the price of admission.
The rest of the cast was also just superb. Ms. Dellapolla’s rant about toe cleavage, Ms. Howard’s remembrance of her mother’s robe, and Ms. Marshall’s and Ms. Maloney’s recollections about being brides were all terrific.
The brilliance of the play, which is broken into 28 scenes in two acts, allowed every cast member to sing (not literally) individually, as interactive participants and as a chorus. The construction worked oh so well in this iteration, and I’m sure it will continue to in all other cast combinations.
I don’t want to ruin the surprise by giving away any of the dozens and dozens of great lines spoken on the stage at the Cultural Center, but I haven’t laughed so often and so hard in a long time. The play is so brilliantly written that even the editor in me wouldn’t touch a single word, and that happens only rarely.
Bottom line: If the performances are as good as they were on opening night, there will be standing ovations at the end of every single staging.
“Love, Loss and What I Wore” will continue on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at the Southampton Cultural Center, through Sunday, January 27.
In addition to the actors mentioned above, other cast members include: Brooke Alexander, Paula Brannon, Susan Cincotta, Susan Wojcik, Gretta Monahan, Katie Lee and Edna Perez Winston. Check the Cultural Center’s website for specific performance nights for individual cast members.
Tickets are $22, general admission, or $12 for students under 21 with identification. For reservations, call 287-4377 or visit scc-arts.org.
on Jan 12, 2013