CAST & CREW
Meet The Team of Nora and Delia Ephron's
Play Synopsis
Love Loss and What I Wore is a play written by Nora and Delia Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail etc.) based on the 1995 book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman. The play is organized as a series of monologues and uses a rotating cast of five principal women. The subject matter of the monologues includes relationships and wardrobes and at times the interaction of the two, using nostalgia, memories, and power of clothing as a time capsule of a woman's life. Originally an off Broadway show, it has continually received rave reviews with shows still selling out major venues all over North America, and around the world. So funny, and so powerful; so dear and sweet; so remindful of our insecurities, our remembrances of people and events, triumphs and disappointments, of life and of love.
CAST BIOS
Denise Oucharek
Denise is our wonderful and generous director also acting as Gingy’s mother, Dora, Mary’s mother, and Doctor, in Love Loss and What I Wore. Denise Oucharek has been seen on stages all across Canada. Some of her favourites include: 3 seasons at The Stratford Festival, The Sound of Music and Mamma Mia- both for Mirvish Productions, Flying On Her Own, at Neptune Theatre, and Seussical the Musical at Theatre Aquarius. Most recently Denise completed a Canadian tour of the North American premiere of Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through the Change in which she originated the role The Moosejaw Housewife! Denise has been a member of the Voice faculty at Sheridan College & University of Toronto theatre and drama studies program, taught vocal improv at Second City and teaches/coaches privately. She cherishes time with her family and 2 cats Kander and Ebb.
Denise’s flowy tops are her favourites because they are light and the way they move reminds her of her love for all things dance! They also always make her feel downright elegant which is a great way to feel!
Annie McBrien
Annie plays Alex, Holly, Pam, Liz’s Younger sister, Robin, Eve’s Psychologist, Nora, Geralyn in Love Loss and What I Wore. Annie started acting very young. Her first semi professional contract was signed when she was five! Annie attended an arts school and took Drama in university. Now she teaches the Arts to young people and feels privileged to do so. Annie (Tessie), The Goodbye Girl (Lucy), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van de Graaff) are some of the roles she has played in the past.
Annie dyed her dress pink. After the wonderful children’s song, “Pink”- well, because it is the very best colour.
Kirsten Sixt
Kirsten plays Nancy, Stephanie, Lynn, Mary, Heather, Amanda, in Love, Loss, and What I Wore. She has most recently played Miss Adelaide in Big Little Caravan of Joy’s fundraiser show last April. Kirsten is a director at Teaching Awareness Through Puppetry in Toronto. Kirsten’s past performances have included Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and numerous shows with Spotlight Theatre and theatre groups around the GTA. Always looking for ways to help people and bring joy into the lives of theatre patrons, Kirsten will be playing a one woman show this September (11-14 at the Papermill Theatre) in Shirley Valentine by Willie Russell.
Kirsten’s purple corduroy shirt reminds her of camp where you can be anyone you want to be, without care or worry!
Robin Clipsham
Robin plays Nancy’s mother, Rosie, Merill, Liz, Annie, Eve, Lisa in Love, Loss, and What I Wore.
Robin has spent most of her life in theatre. Robin’s career includes the creation and development of several new and unique comic characters, performed across Canada; the foundation and development of a theatre company for young people, (PRISM Theatre In The Park), teaching theatre performance for Nipissing University, award-winning improvisational theatre coaching for all ages, and the Peaches series of shows all over the place! Robin wants you to know that her boots are special.
They belonged to her mom and these boots continue to surround Robin’s feet and her soul with the warmth of her love.
Myrna McBrien
Myrna plays Gingy in Love Loss and What I Wore. She has over twenty years experience in amateur and professional theatre in the GTA and Near North Ontario.
She has most recently played the role of Gingy in Oakville’s West End Studio Theatre’s production of Love Loss and What I Wore!
Previously, she played in shows such as The Goodbye Girl, Annie, The Last Resort, Looking, Fallen Angels,The Ladies Foursome. Most recently, she directed Shirley Valentine, The Ladies Foursome, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Dining Room.
Myrna’s woven scarf is a symbol of her passion for the arts!
Susan Deane Vorvis
Stage Manager, Set Painter
Sue has a talent for set painting having just completed her 3rd season with the Highlands Summer Festival. She is also a talented stage manager having just recently worked on the show, 4000 Miles.
Sue is wearing her plaid shirt that makes her feel warm and calm in a crazy world.
Greg Shikaze
Set designer, Set builder
Greg has used wood to craft electric guitars, furniture, and theatre sets - to name a few. The side tables you will see on stage in Love Loss and What I Wore are a small example of Greg's creativity and talent with wood.
G is wearing a shirt that reminds him of an incredible 7 day mountain bike race he completed in British Columbia.
​
Libbie Matthews
Box Office
Libbie has been involved with theatre for decades! She is an indispensible Volunteer with several Theatre Groups in the GTA. Former shows include, Oliver and My Fair Lady. Libbie is a member of Spotlight Musical Theatre for 22 years as a dancer and other roles such as Mrs. Harcourt in Anything Goes, Gladys in Pajama Game and Jessica in Curtains.
Libbie’s outfit is one of her fun summer tops that she thought would match the backdrop of the headshot. Attention to colour shows Libbie’s attention to detail, emphasizing her zest for life!
Leslie Croft
Concession/Bar
Leslie is a kind, shining light and will be offering refreshments and snacks for Firefly Collective's Love, Loss, and What I Wore before the show begins. Leslie is wearing her favourite yellow shirt because it matches her sunny disposition and makes her happy.
Liz Standing
Front of House
Liz has-been involved in musical theatre for almost 60 years. She enjoys the singing and acting, dancing not so much. Former president/board member of Spotlight Musical Productions in Toronto. Liz is excited to greet the audiences of Love, Loss and What I Wore and can't wait for the production of Shirley Valentine in November.
Liz loves wearing purple and feels most happy in clothes with purple tones of any depth. And she's told it looks good on her!
Kelly Black
Front of House
Although recently taking a hiatus, Kelly has been involved with theatre (Spotlight Musical Productions, formerly IBM Music theatre) for almost 40 years. She has played many smaller roles over the years, enjoys hanging out in the chorus and most especially thrives in a good character role!
Kelly is happy to meet the patrons of Love Loss and What I Wore and the upcoming production of Shirley Valentine. Don't miss what's sure to be two fantastic productions.
Kelly’s shirt is a special item in her closet as it's "previously loved" and passed along from a friend. She finds it a good feeling putting on a previously loved piece that's made it's way to her closet as she's reminded of a friend, a time and it's somehow just comforting and positively familiar. And of course, she needs to look and feel good in it !!
Raïssa (Rya) Sauvé
Concession and Bar
Raïssa is a passionate play-watcher. She is a restaurateur opening the new Pizzeria no. 900 in the Beaches! A devoted advocate for the disability community and a roller coaster enthusiast with her son—because life’s too short not to scream together!
Raïssa’s stage credits include purchasing tickets and witnessing theatrical magic firsthand. Once upon a time in high school, she played a monkey. She was, quite frankly, bananas.
Raïssa is thrilled to join the Firefly Collective team for Love, Loss, and What I Wore. She will be serving drinks and hopefully helping our patrons enjoy the show even more!
Raïssa’s favorite jumper—easy to dress up or down. No morning decision fatigue, just one stylish piece! Add a bit of jewelry or a sweater, and you’re good to go.