'Love, Loss and What I Wore' coming to PowPAC for one weekend

PowPAC's one weekend presentation of "Love, Loss and What I Wore" is focused on memories associated with women's clothes, but the concept is universal, said director Mary L. Smith.

"Men will never talk about it, but they will keep a T-shirt for 20 years because they did something in it that was so important to them," Smith said. "Men also have sense memories with things they wear. Like they will keep their military uniforms."

The 90-minute one-act play presented in a readers theater format can be seen at PowPAC at 8 p.m. Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18.

Smith recommended the play as a special event for Poway's community theater. She has directed the show three times — once at Coronado Playhouse in 2021 and twice at Patio Playhouse in Escondido last year.

"It is low impact," Smith said. "It requires no set and the actors read it, so there is no blocking. It can be done anywhere."

Written by Nora and Delia Ephron — sisters whose works include "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle" (for Nora) and "You’ve Got Mail" (for Delia) — the play consists of several monologues and ensemble pieces.

It is based on Ilene Beckerman's 1995 bestselling book "Love, Loss and What I Wore." The play became the second-longest running show at the Off-Broadway Westside Theatre following its 2009 opening.

Smith said she likes the play because it resonates with audiences.

"There are assorted stories with women telling them through articles of clothing," Smith said. "There are funny and tragic (stories). They say what they felt about themselves and what they were wearing."

Fashion's impact on women is lifelong, starting in childhood, Smith said. One of the stories in the show that women in the audience will relate to is about first-time bra shopping and the feelings that evoked.

"So many women have shared that humiliation," she said.

The script has everyone wearing black.

"I let each actor decide if that would be a dress or pants, but said they could wear any color of shoes to express themselves," Smith said.

Only one of the five actors has a name in the play — Gingy, played by Cinda K. Lucas, who has portrayed the character each time Smith has directed the show. Smith said it is because Lucas is perfect for the part, which is mostly a narrator role.

Lucas, a Del Mar resident, studied acting in school, but had not been on the stage for years because she ended up working behind the scenes. She was CEO of Starlight Musical Theatre for 13 years and is now on the San Diego Musical Theatre board.

"Mary and I met through Starlight," Lucas said. "I haven't performed in years ... but it makes it easier to say yes when you do not need to memorize lines. There are some long monologues."

It is Gingy's story and the things she goes through in life, Smith said.

"Gingy speaks about her clothes. That is the thread through the whole thing. It is her story, but also other women's stories. It is like they have all been great friends for many years."

Though this is the fourth time Lucas is playing Gingy, each performance is a bit different.

"I always tweak it because there is a new cast and a show is never the same," Lucas said. "I’ve also become more comfortable."

Joining her on the stage are Cassiopeia Guthrie, Lynn Zwissler-Smith, Denelda Norwood and Linda Englund.

Some scenes have two actors interacting, but most are monologues, which Lucas said are really vignettes.

"There is something for everyone," Lucas said. " At times it gets very sentimental. ... Each of us can say I’ve been there. People hear the stories and can relate."

Smith said the clothing is symbolic for what the women go through.

"The meaning behind them is incredible," she said.

But it is not just clothing that is discussed.

Smith said one of the stories is about a Kelly bag that costs $500. When the storyteller gets caught in the rain, the purse does not hold up, and in the end she learns an inexpensive waterproof shopping bag is more practical.

Another story is about a woman in her late 20s with breast cancer. Her friends want to buy her wigs, but she chooses to wear beanies instead. Once she no longer needs them, she lends the beanies to other women.

Tickets are $15 for general admission. Buy at powpac.org or call the box office at 858-679-8085 or email [email protected].

The PowPAC theater is at 13250 Poway Road on the second level of the Lively Center. Those who want to avoid the stairs can access an elevator behind the building.