An intriguing play that is said to cause viewers to look deeper within themselves is coming to Indianapolis.
“Love, Loss and What I Wore” will be at the Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave., running July 18 through Aug. 11. The play is written by Nora and Delia Ephron based on a book with the same name.
The play is a series of stories told by five women. The stories are all relative to clothing and pivotal moments in their lives.
“The stories are all about how we sometimes remember monumental events in our lives in association with what we were wearing,” said Bryan Fonseca, the producing director of the play. “Sometimes clothing will trigger memories or at the time that you heard monumental news, you remembered you were wearing a certain item or object.”
Fonseca says examples of monumental moments are births, deaths, marriages, relationships, sex and first dates, which are all covered in the play.
Milicent Wright, an actress in the play, described the play as a combination of many things.
“It’s an affirmation of women’s lives and a celebration of our joys, sorrows, accomplishments and our journeys. It highlights the beauty of being a woman and also our relationships with men,” says Wright.
Wright said she enjoys being a part of this production because although she is African-American, her role could be played by anyone. She says she is excited because she can bring her culture and personality to the role.
Wright also noted that theater began as a male profession and how in the 20th century, theater saw a huge increase in women’s roles. She also mentioned how Nora and Delia Ephron, the playwrights, do an excellent job of producing things that make women shine.
Nora Ephron produced many other films and plays such as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “When Harry Met Sally.” Fonseca says Ephron’s style of writing is seen as very woman-centric and that the play has been successful for that reason.
Not every story from the book will be performed on stage, but Fonseca says the play experience is great because seeing the humanized version of what you read is what makes the experience worth it.
“When we read a book I think we read things in one voice, the voice that’s in our head. Having them come to life on stage with professional actresses give them that much more dimension,” said Fonseca.
He says those who see this play will hopefully be uplifted by the end, realize they’re not alone and understand there are always places to find comfort and solutions.
“I think ultimately the message is that we all have a story to tell,” said Fonseca. “There are great lessons to be shared and learned from when telling stories. There is great wisdom in all of the stories and I think to come and experience it, it’s a very communal experience.”
The play is an Indiana premier and will be held at the Phoenix Theatre for four consecutive weekends beginning July 18 through Aug. 11. All tickets are $18 for the first weekend and all subsequent performances are $28.
You can purchase tickets by calling the Phoenix Theatre box office at (317) 635-7529 or online at phoenixtheatre.org.
About the Phoenix Theatre
Thirty years in the making, the Phoenix Theatre is a year-round contemporary theater company whose plays take place in an intimate setting. They produce emotionally enhancing works from well-known Broadway hits to undiscovered stories around the country.
The Phoenix showcases issue-oriented plays leaving audience members with an awareness of social concerns and how they affect each and every one of us.
Their 130-seat Livia and Steve Russell Stage and 65-seat cabaret style Frank and Katrina Basile Stage keeps visitors relaxed and sure to enjoy any performance.
The Phoenix Theatre is a place where visitors can sip wine and enjoy great conversation with friends after seeing a great production.
Did you know about the Ephron sisters?
Nora Ephron…
– Earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay for drama film “Silkwood.”
– Earned nearly $130 million at the box office for directing and writing “Julie & Julia.”
– Wrote over 16 screenplays and produced 10 films.
– With a degree in journalism, became a reporter for the New York Post.
– Died of pneumonia on June 26, 2012.
Delia Ephron…
– Is a bestselling author, screenwriter and playwright.
– Has written novels for adults and teens.
– Graduated from Barnard College.
– Wrote “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”
– Wrote nine screenplays and produced three movies.
