Even in the dark, I knew I was going to like Black Box Theatre’s production of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.”
The actors walked on stage with grace, confidence and even a bit of sparkle.
When the lights came up, there were five women standing on small rugs with colors and patterns as distinctive as their characters. Their costumes were all black, each uniquely and perfectly designed for that actor and that character.
From the first word to the final bow, what I knew I would like became what I could not help but love. I have seen many shows – and acted in a few – at BBT, and “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” will go down as one of my all-time favorites.
The passion and the energy of this show zoomed around the stage, as Nancy Clein Tafoya, Debbie Jo Felix, Jamie Bronstein, Autumn Gieb and Karen Buerdsell portrayed multiple characters in monologues, dialogues and ensembles. Transitions were flawless and the chemistry was exceptional.
Just as the title suggests, the characters discussed marriage and divorce, the death of a child, breast cancer, prom dresses, motherhood, purses and over-filled closets.
They laughed, they cried, they searched for shoes, and the audience was with them every moment.
I loved the tiny pauses that sometimes came between scenes – much as with the final reveal on the old “What’s My Line” game show – as the actors looked at each other and we waited to see who would rise from her chair and speak next.
I loved that while the play is about women, it isn’t a man-basher. It’s not about fault or blame, it’s about life: sorrow and joy, tragedy and triumph.
I loved the intimacy of the actors. They listened to each other when they weren’t speaking, reacting with nods and smiles, but never stealing focus, and always in support.
I loved the simple but elegant graphics appearing on the wall above the characters throughout the show. There was just enough to enhance the brilliant performances without overshadowing them.
I loved that this is a show without an intermission, without props or scenery, without costume changes. With a wonderful script by Nora Ephron, Delia Ephron and Ilene Beckerman and thoughtful direction by Ceil Herman, this production is about the outstanding performances of five talented actors.
Additional kudos to Peter Herman for his scenic and lighting designs, to the wonderful and amazing Deb Knapp for her choreography and to Bekah Taulbee for her faultless light, sound and projection work.
Remaining performances of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” are 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 3-4 and 10-11; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5 and 12; and 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.
Tickets are $15 regular admission, $12 for students and seniors over age 65 and $10 for the Thursday, Feb. 9, performance only.
Black Box Theatre is located at 430 N. Main St. downtown.
For tickets, visit http://no-strings.org/ or by them at the theatre before each performance.
Call 575-523-1223.
