'Gingy's Diaries' A Brilliant Look At Life And Love, Not To Be Missed

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — There's a show opening Friday night in Southampton that offers one of the most brilliant looks at life, love, and abject loss ever executed on a stage, anywhere.

The brand-new work, “Gingy’s Diaries,” by Ilene Beckerman, author of the beloved “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” is set to shine — the show takes place Friday through Sunday at 2 pm. and 7 p.m. at the Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 jobs Lane in Southampton.

Adapted for the stage and directed by Michael Disher, with a cast including Susan Cincotta, Dolores Reilly, Myers Bartlett, Patty Greene Brockman, Vay David and Tom Gregory, the show, reviewed at a recent dress rehearsal, simply dazzles.

"Gingy's Diaries' 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.

But, while women of a certain age are, by many accounts, sometimes dismissed, this is a show that needs to be heard, shouted from the veritable rooftops. It's a spirited walk through the winding memories in the mind of a woman nearing the sunset of her life. She literally dances from memory to memory, bringing the audience alive for a ride studded with laughter, thought-provoking questions posed, and tears.

The show, masterfully directed by Disher, spotlights five actresses — and Gregory — seated in chairs on a stage, each standing to share a different page from Gingy's diary. Music and beautiful images help to convey rich emotion, and the acting, direction and the words — Ilene Beckerman's funny, sassy, insightful and sometime, heartbreaking words — give life and vision to this jewel of a show. It's a work that captures what women, and men, everywhere are thinking and feeling — a universal chord of truth.

There are moments of hilarity — who hasn't given up in frustration when trying to adjust a fitted sheet on an unwieldy mattress? Moments that make us nod in agreement as Beckerman reflects on the stark differences between men and women in their fantasies — while men would rather flick on porn, wouldn't women sometimes just rather simply indulge . . . in chocolate? Or Chinese food?

References to the names and places in Beckerman's past — Marlon Brando! Elizabeth Taylor! — are woven throughout the chapters, which, in turn, also deliver witty and sharp commentary on life, film, history, and the personal and political landscape today: "Too bad this wonderful world is so filled with hate."

Beckerman's words take us on a delightful romp through those musings of her mind — from the joy of lipstick and headscarves to the penny candy of our shared memories, from the differences between men and women in the workplace and beyond, from her personal recollections that reflect us all, in their unwavering truths.

And sometimes, she stops us cold with the painful realities that bring tears to every audience member seated in that intimate space, where dreams are shared and souls, bared. As Gingy reflects on the husband's arms that will never hold her again — and the mother she yearns for, even after so many long years and a life rich with success — we weep. Together.

Beckerman is a gift; a woman who found dizzying success when she began publishing at 60 — a living testament to the fact that life can begin again, at any age.

And what's brought her to those heights is her writing, words that echo with recognition. In the pages of her diary, Gingy doesn't just share her own stories, her laughter, opinions, and sometimes, pain. In those pages she makes us all feel seen, recognized. It's as though she reaches through the pages and takes our very hands as she tells us, with heartfelt compassion, that it's all going to be okay, somehow. Because despite the long journey of self-doubt and heartbreak so many of us have traveled on this complicated and sometimes, pitted path of life, Beckerman reminds us that through the miracle of theater and the written word — we are never alone.

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!".

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.”

In the program, Disher wrote: "During uncertain and unsettling times, one constant has remained tried and true: Entertainment is needed — perhaps more so now than ever. And in my humble opinion, theater does what few other mediums can, by bringing us together to share an hour or two that will never be duplicated. Oh, sure, others may experience the same production, but each performance depends upon the collective composition of performers, play, and you. This is theater's power and specificity. The play or piece performed factors greatly upon this equation, and we take great pride in producing some of the most original and unique offerings on the East End — new plays, new voices, new formats, new interpretations."

He added: "This is our promise to you, our audience. Your involvement, approval, generosity, and attendance propel us toward greater outreach and community involvement. For this we are forever thankful, grateful, and hopeful."

Disher said his 40-plus years of producing, directing and teaching theater in Southampton have taught him "one very valuable lesson — listen to our community and audience. Also, be wise in choices, be varied, never be afraid to educate and enlighten and never settle for anything other than excellence. From all of us at Center Stage and the Southampton Arts Center, we thank you for being here, for caring — for listening."

The Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. For additional information and tickets, click here.