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Love, Loss, and What I Wore Reviews
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Love to Laugh? See this. Review by: Brenda, Oct 26, 2009 |
Love, Loss, and What I Wore, by Nora and Delia Ephron is a surprisingly rollicking good time. Currently starring Jane Lynch MFA ‘84, Tyne Daly and Mary Louise Wilson, this (continuously) laugh out loud play is a must see. The construct is very recognizable to Eve Ensler fans, but there is no Anatomical Monologue or victimization themes in this production. The play is a staged reading ... read more of anonymous vignettes about women’s lives charted through clothing. The conceit in lesser actor’s hands or with a director not as adept as Karen Carpenter, could easily fall flat. It is not the written words that make this production soar, but the exquisite timing, pacing and abundance of dramatic and comedic talent. It is a bare stage, save a backdrop of either bridal gowns or lingerie (my seat mate Marion Ross fell into the lingerie camp, I am staunchly on the bridal side.) There are no microphones or costume changes and barely a prop. The lighting is superb and achieves (what it should) in that it gives the audience dramatic cues.
Unlike some of Ms. Ephron’s screenplays there is little dwelling on sentimentality. It is still there, as one would expect, but it’s given a backstage to just absolute pure enjoyment. I dare any woman to not turn into a bobble head of recognition, with stories of bra fittings, prom dresses and the like. However, the laughs most definitely are gender inclusive.
Mary Louise Wilson (Grey Gardens) plays the role of a pseudo narrator with great aplomb. She is a bit burdened by the cardboard drawings that she must display to narrate her story. She is a quiet and wry actress who adds tremendous decency to the production. Tyne Daly (Gypsy, Rabbit Hole) is a powerhouse of talent and manages to reign it in just a bit to truly suit the ensemble nature of the production. Ms. Daly has the unique ability to evoke the depths of despair and then gales of laughter by just a twitching of her facial muscles. This is a mesmorizing phenomenon in these days of Botox. Jane Lynch (on hiatus from Glee) is luminescent. She has a thousand watt smile that conveys much more than happiness. Ms. Lynch is a seasoned film (A Mighty Wind, Best In Show, For Your Consideration, Julie & Julia) and television actress. However, to watch her in this play you would think she was a career stage actress. Her prescence, sense of her body, and acting technique, all things that can be edited in or out of film, are on display in all their stellar glory. A highly intelligent actress, Ms. Lynch can execute a one liner like a seasoned hatchet man. Of particular note was this line, delivered to a full house of New Yorkers, by a tall, thin blond; “Never wear velvet before Rosh Hashanah.” Perhaps it loses something out of context? All the more reason to see this play at the Westside Theatre! |
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must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Anyone
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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