'LOVE, LOSS...' To Play Limited Run Off-Bwy 9/21; Chenoweth, Daly, O'Donnell And More To Star

Following a series of sold-out readings last spring, LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE, an intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, will play a 12-week run at New York's Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street). Preview performances will begin on September 21, 2009, with the opening night set for October 1. The announcement was made today by producer Daryl Roth.

This collection of vignettes and monologues is based on the best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman, as well as on the recollections of the Ephrons' friends. Directed by Karen Carpenter, the production will feature three different (5-member) all-star casts who will perform the play in four-week cycles. Confirmed cast members include Samantha Bee, Kristin Chenoweth, Tyne Daly, Katie Finneran, Rosie O'Donnell, Mary Louise Wilson and Rita Wilson. Additional cast and full creative team will be announced shortly.

"'The Vagina Monologues' without the vaginas," is how the Ephrons describe this theatrical event, which, like the book it's based on, uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories that all women can relate to.

"It's sweet and saucy," Liz Smith said of the benefit performances this past spring at New York's DR2 Theatre. "This is an evening that goes directly to the heart, soul and vanity of every woman, young or old. The Ephron girls have touched our funny bones over the years, mended or predicted our broken hearts, commiserated over our bodies, made us laugh and get over it. Now we just have to line up at the box office." The New York Times wrote that the "funny, compelling" piece "brought down the house," and noted that "a story of black cowboy boots becomes a sad tale of being underappreciated in a relationship; a tale of two women shopping for their wedding outfits ends bitter-sweetly; and the recollection of a new bra is a quiet testament to a women's search for dignity while undergoing treatment for breast cancer."

A portion of the production's proceeds will benefit Dress for Success, a charity that provides work clothing and job support for low-income women. Audience members will be invited to donate their gently-used purses and other accessories in the theatre lobby.

Tickets will be available via Telecharge.com (212-239-6200) beginning on August 13, or in-person at The Westside Theatre Box Office (407 West 43rd Street) beginning September 1.

For more information visit LoveLossOnStage.com.

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