Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Little Theatre of Fall River’s opening show of 2017 at the Firebarn is “Love, Loss and What I Wore” by Nora and Delia Ephran. Based on the best selling book by Ilene Beckerman, this show is a series of monologues. It is an ensemble piece about ensemble pieces, covering all the important subjects: mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, purses, and yes, mothers. It also sheds light on women’s passion for wearing black and for buying shoes. It includes women’s relationships and wardrobes and at times using the women’s wardrobe as a time capsule of a woman’s life.It shows how they evolve throughout the one act, 28 scene show. It’s funny and powerful, serious and sweet, rueful and ruthless. A unique and universal chronicle of women’s wiles, worries, insecurities and loves. Director Kathy Castro blends the comic and serious moments together splendidly, creating a show that will leave you laughing out loud and being able to relate to the situations at the same time.
Kathy gives each of her five talented actresses their moment to shine in this show. The five women play multiple roles in this show and do a fantastic job with their monologues and interactions with each other. I will list a few of the highlights of their roles. Pamela Morgan does an excellent job as Gingy who weaves her life story among the other tales. She describes her three marriages, “Motherhood and death of a child”, each turning point marked by an article of clothing. Gingy’s life is represented by a brownie uniform at the beginning and their are drawings of her wardrobe for the rest of her life. Deborah Sadler also does a terrific job with a poignant monologue about breast cancer. It is lightened up by joking that now she can have bigger breasts than her size A and by getting a tattoo on them with no nipples. Deb uses her real life experience in this section of her role. Cathy Taitz has an hilarious monologue about buying a Kelly purse for $6000 but it isn’t waterproof. The detested, disorganized purse is why she needs a new purse and finally settles on a vinyl yellow and blue purse for $26. Kristina Dahlene has a couple of comic scenes about a paper dress and having a cad for a boyfriend who didn’t like her family. She also has a meaningful scene with Deb about different styles of wedding dresses with a surprising twist at the end of it. Liz Goodchild’s comic scene is about wearing high heels but the salesman encourages her to wear flats by praising her toe cleavage. Some of the rest of the topics include wardrobe malfunctions, puberty’s personal relationship with personal wardrobe, first date outfits, lucky underwear, favorite boots, irreplaceable shirts and training bras in dressing rooms. So for a look at a splendid contemporary play that will resonate with everyone, be sure to catch “Love, Loss and What I Wore” at the Firebarn. The lobby is decorated as a boutique and the after the show reception includes wine and cheese.
LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE (19 to 29 January)
Little Theatre of Fall River, Firebarn, 340 Prospect St, Fall River, MA
1(508)675-1852 or www.littletheatre.net
