Ask some long-married folks what they most miss about a departed spouse and they'll say it's the smell he or she left on the sheets, clothes and towels.

That's the idea behind THEATRX's new romantic comedy "Scent of a Woman," written and directed by THEATRX founder Stephen Storc.

Storc was inspired to write the play after seeing the film "Perfume," the screen adaptation of Patrick Sueskind's 1985 novel "Das Parfum." In that novel, an 18th-century Frenchman with superb olfactory senses becomes a famous perfume-maker, but when he attempts to create his own signature smell, he begins a grisly series of murders.

Storc's new play uses the same concept but with a much kinder, gentler touch.

In his comedy "Scent of a Woman," Escondido retirees Al and Arlene Chandler have been married for 35 years and are looking for a little excitement in their life. Al finds inspiration, as Storc did, by watching the movie "Parfum." But instead of killing Arlene, Al decides to just slather her up with Crisco and distill the sweat-infused oil into a perfume called Eau d'Arlene. The scent is a hot seller, and soon they create a scent for men, Eau d'Al.

A series of complications arise that bring trouble to the lives of Al and Arlene, but eventually they're able to reignite the spark in their relationship, thanks to their perfume experiences.

"It's a lovely little comedy about growing older and wiser," Storc said.

The play stars Debora Zimmer and JJ Rowley as Arlene and Al. The play opens Friday and runs through Oct. 7.

"Scent of a Woman"

When: 8 p.m. Sept. 7-8, 14-15, 22, 28-29 and Oct. 5-6; 2 p.m. Sept. 9 and 30, and Oct. 7

Where: THEATRX, 155 E. Grand Ave., Escondido

Tickets: $12.50, general; $10, seniors and students; $7.50, children

Info: (760) 735-2491