Love, Loss, and What I Wore Coming to Grange

Ah, the memories explored in “Love, Loss, & What I Wore.”

The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces seven performances of the international hit Love, Loss and What I Wore by the late Nora Ephron and her sister Delia Ephron.  This play ran for over 1,000 performances Off-Broadway before closing just over a year ago.

The production opens July 12 with seven performances on Fridays and Saturdays through Sunday, July 28.

While Nora Ephron is best known for her screenplays (When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle,  Julie & Julia), she and her sister wrote Love, Loss And What I Wore based on the best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman, as well as on the recollections of the Ephrons’ friends.  The play uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories that everyone can relate to.  The play includes twenty paintings of outfits described in the play, by local artist Jackie Kempfer.

The list of actors who were in the New York production reads like a “Who’s Who” of the theater including Tyne Daly, Rosie O’Donnell,  Carol Kane, Janeane Garofalo, Fran Drescher, Melissa Joan Hart, Brooke Shields, Loretta Swit, Kristin Chenoweth, Jane Lynch and Rhea Perlman.  The New York Times called it “A funny, compelling work.”  Syndicated Columnist, Liz Smith, called it “Funny, powerful, sweet and saucy! This is an evening that goes directly to the heart.” Others said:  “Best of the year!” – Time Out New York.  “Witty and wise!” – Vanity Fair.  “Funny and poignant” – Associated Press.  An act of brilliance! A must see! – Forbes.

Love, Loss And What I Wore has a cast of five women, four of whom form an ensemble that performs each night.  The fifth role, that of “Gingy” who functions as the narrator, has a different actor for each performance.  On opening night – Friday, July 12th – the role of Gingy will be played by Mary Bayley, on the 13th, Gingy will be played by Christina Orchid; on July 19th, Maura O’Neill; the 20th, Abby Rueb; on July 26th, Annette Mazzarella; on the 27th, Pam Loew; and on closing night, Sunday, July 28th the role of Gingy will be played by Patty Monaco.

The Actors Theater production of this play follows the model developed in the New York production: The actors will sit on stools, with the script on music stands in front of them.  The performances will be at the Grange and will begin at 7:30 pm.  Some of the content is not suitable for younger children.  Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvills Book Store on-line at orcasactors.com or at the door.  For additional information contact the Director, Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.