'Gingy's Diaries' Hits the SAC Stage

A brand-new show, “Gingy’s Diaries,” by Ilene Beckerman, author of “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” is set to debut on the stage of the Southampton Arts Center in early May.

A witty, moving look at a life well-lived, this new gem of a 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 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 she looks back on decades well-lived.

The show, in workshop form, will be presented from May 2 to 4 at SAC. 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.

The show is adapted for the stage and directed by Michael Disher, the director of Center Stage at SAC, and the words are taken from the literal pages of Beckerman’s diaries. The work is a deeply moving tour de force, a veritable celebration of life. “Gingy’s Diaries” include musings, reflections on the world and women, and insights only a woman who has lived — and who lives, still, to tell the story — can share. 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.

Ilene Beckerman and Michael Disher have a rich and lengthy history. She first performed as 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!”

“Ilene maintains that I know more about women than most men.” said Disher. “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,” he continued. “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.”

Disher notes that the bond he shares with Beckerman has deepened with time.

“We laugh as much as we think. And we do both in great quantities,” he said. “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.”

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.”

Shows are Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $20 at southamptonartscenter.org. The Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton.