Five women tell their tales, and yes – what they wore.

Reviewed by Tom Jones, April 23, 2016

There is an interesting species currently roaming the world. I believe they are called “women.” They tend to be somewhat clannish, and have an uncanny knack for remembering every dress or outfit they wore in every happy and troublesome situation. A delightful look at this group is currently on stage at Bas Bleu, and just might be called “Ehpronites,” as their play is by Delia and Nora Ephron, based on a book by Ilene Beckerman. “Love, Loss and What I Wore” runs through May 1 at Bas Bleu, directed by Graciela Marin.

Six women explain to the audience in a reader’s format their various tales of what they wore on a variety of occasions. They recant wondrous examples of being fitted for “The Bra,” finding the “Prom Dress.” Looking like “Madonna.” Of being “Fat and Thin,” and finding the right “Shoes,” and telling why “I Hate My Purse.” And they explain why they are all dressed in “Black,” not because they are in mourning, but basically because brighter colors are not fashionable, except maybe in Dallas or in California.

Their stories resonated with great affection from the women in the audience. Curiously, there were several men also present, who appeared to be sometimes in shock when learning why their wives and girlfriends find so much joy and turmoil in determining just what to wear. (I am quick to remember where, I was, for instance, when man landed on the moon, when I proposed to my wife, and when our three children were born. I have absolutely no idea, however, of what I was wearing!)

Deb Note-Farwell heads the cast as Gingy, the lead story-teller. Note-Farwell is a Northern Colorado audience favorite, and retains her charm, winding through the highs and lows of women’s fashion, as originally outlined in Beckerman’s book. Telling a wide variety of happy and heartfelt adventures are Elizabeth Baugh, Miriam Chase, Karen Christopersen, Wendy Fulton-Adams and Maggie Hayes. They are all very good.

Ilene Beckerman wrote the book in 1995, and the Ephrons turned it into the reader’s play in 2008. It turned up Off-Broadway at year later and made history as the second-longest running show at New York’s Westside Theatre. The production won several awards in New York and has been produced in more many foreign countries.

` Nora Ephron was an acclaimed writer, director and producer. Her movies included “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” She co-authored “You’ve Got mail” with her sister, Delia.

“Love, Loss and What I Wore” is a charmer, taking the audience back through emotional memories of loss, and crazily-happy times of finding “just the right dress.”

“Love, Loss and What I Wore”
When: Through May 1
Where: Bas Bleu Theatre, 401 Pine Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2433
For Tickets: 970/498-8949
www.basbleu.org