Nora and Delia Ephron have penned a delightful work that focuses on the memories of our lives as seen through the clothes the 5 women on stage have worn at various points in their lives. It's a reading of sorts - coordinated and choreographed vignettes - not really a play. It's funny, poignant, and at times may elicit a gasp or a tear. Taken for what it is - you'll leave with a satisfying smile on your face.
I saw the cast of
Jayne Houdyshell, Adriane Lenox, Allison Mack, Kate Mulgrew, and
Kristine Nielsen. Each of them had moments to shine and they all came thru with flying colors - and they really looked like they were having fun on stage. I presume that each cast plays the characters differently - bringing the subtleties of the individuals to the reading they are performing - so no two casts will produce the same show. The character on stage right (that's to the left for the audience) who's name is Ginger (Jayne, in this cast) is the main character whose story is woven throughout the other 4 characters' stories - most of which are not connected. This is an interesting theatrical device used to create a feeling of continuity and story amongst all the other unrelated passages. A special shout out to
Kristine Neilsen - who seemingly had (and nailed) the show stealing reading about the purse).
I love Jayne and Kate - and they were the reason I chose this cast. But I am going to guess that the underlying stories and memories that Nora and Delia elicit in their words would make just about any talented actress shine. If this were a move - we'd say "chic-flik". But I didn't mind. A smile on your face is just that - a smile.
