A brand-new show, “Gingy’s Diaries,” by Ilene Beckerman, author of the beloved “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” is set to debut at the Southampton Arts Center in workshop form May 2 to 4.
The show shines a light on the highlights of Gingy’s life, what she’s seen, what she’s lived, and what she’s learned — a glorious kaleidoscope of memories, wit, and observations. The show traverses a landscape rarely explored — a woman facing 90 who’s lived a lifetime but still faces each day with audacious energy and sass, chatting about sex, lipstick, and the moments that have defined us all, as we look back on decades well-lived.
Each woman in the cast represents a portion of the pages of Gingy’s diaries. Collectively, they will bring to life the words, emotions, and heart that come together to create the one and only Ilene Beckerman. Cast members include Myers Bartlett, Patty Greene Brockman, Susan Cincotta, Vay David, Dorit Margalit, Deborah Marshall, and Dolores Reilly.
Ilene Beckerman and Michael Disher have a rich and lengthy history. She first performed Gingy (herself) for Disher in “Love, Loss and What I Wore” in 2012. The two then collaborated on “Sex: What She’s Really Thinking” and co-wrote “Mom, It’s MY Wedding!”.
The show is adapted for the stage and directed by Michael Disher. Taken from the literal pages of Beckerman’s diaries, the work is a deeply moving tour de force, a veritable celebration of life. Beckerman sees the world and her relationships as they really are, and five women take the stage as pages of that diary, to share the most public and private moments throughout the years of her luminous life.
Reflecting on the show, Disher discusses the synergy he and Beckerman share: “Ilene maintains that I know more about women than most men. I disagree. I observe, to be sure, but believe I learn more daily. I find women fascinating — especially discovering the many attributes and inherent qualities they have that men don’t possess. Aging, personally, has accelerated these noted observations. Ilene’s perspective is important. We are both older, not necessarily wiser, but have collectively lived more than 160 years. Longevity does increase experiences. This show, in many ways, is truly about ‘the forgotten woman.’ Sad that many feel age decreases our value.”
Their bond has deepened with time. “We laugh as much as we think. And we do both in great quantities. This is our fourth collaboration. Ours is a friendship that always picks up exactly where it was last left. Most will call her Gingy. To me, she is Ilene. Though inseparable, I think I am privy to the often unspoken and unwritten side of her. She holds my secrets — and I hold hers in a deep vault,” Disher said.
Of the show’s message, he said: “Older isn’t always wiser, but like a favorite chair, song, pair of jeans, and memory, age can envelop and comfort—with equal parts agony and ecstasy. Our culmination speaks volumes.”
For additional information and tickets, click here.