Cape May Stage Presents 'Becoming Dr. Ruth'

Over the years, Cape May Stage has built a reputation for presenting a diverse range of productions, from contemporary plays and classic dramas to comedies and musicals. The theater is dedicated to producing thought-provoking and entertaining works that engage audiences and foster a love for the performing arts. Cape May Stage is also committed to supporting new playwrights and often features world premieres and new works.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, widely known as Dr. Ruth, is a pioneering sex therapist, media personality, and author. Born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Wiesenfeld, Germany, she was sent to a Swiss orphanage at the age of ten to escape the Holocaust, which claimed her parents' lives. After World War II, she moved to Palestine, where she joined the Haganah (a precursor to the Israeli Defense Force).

Becoming Dr. Ruth title card. Courtesy Cape May Stage.

In 1956, Dr. Ruth immigrated to the United States, initially working as a maid before pursuing higher education. She earned a master's degree in sociology from The New School and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University. Her career in sex therapy began in the 1960s when she worked under the mentorship of Dr. Helen Singer Kaplan at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. Ruth gained national fame in the 1980s with her radio show "Sexually Speaking," which candidly addressed sexual topics. Her warm, grandmotherly demeanor, combined with her candid and explicit advice, made her a beloved figure. She expanded her reach through television, writing over 40 books and making countless media appearances.

Despite facing initial resistance due to the taboo nature of her subject matter, Dr. Ruth's work has had a profound impact on public discussions about sexuality, promoting sexual education and openness. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Dr. Ruth's enduring legacy is marked by her commitment to demystifying sex, advocating for sexual health, and empowering individuals to embrace their sexuality without shame. Now in her 90s, she continues to be an influential voice, inspiring generations with her humor, wisdom, and unapologetic approach to sex education.

Cape May Stage Director Roy Steinberg said: "The play is even more resonant now than when it was written (and it wasn't written that long ago). One reason is the pandemic that we've all experienced—the loneliness of quarantine and the feeling of being shut in. Doctor Ruth was named the ambassador to combat loneliness by the governor of New York. In her mid-90s, she's still working as a therapist to help people combat loneliness. Another reason is the impact of the internet and whole notions of gender evolving. When Doctor Ruth started talking about sex, people who were non-binary or who were trans — we had no idea how even to have that conversation. Now, we can have that conversation of not just sexual orientation but sexual identity, which is quite different. The third thing that is so important right now is what's happening both in Gaza and what's happening in Ukraine."

Photo courtesy Carolyn Mignini.

Carolyn Mignini, who will be playing Dr. Ruth on stage, said: "Honestly, what drew me to the script is that she is so funny! She is delightful — what a human being. That's always been part of her secret, hasn't it? To get people to talk as a therapist, she has this thing: 'a lesson learned with humor is a lesson remembered.'"

"I've had tremendous fun working on this. I love accents, and I worked with my wonderful dialect coach on Dr. Ruth's famous 'German-French-Israeli-American' accent. It's a kind of a hybrid. I've watched documentaries about her and many interviews. You know she's really out there, and you just feel that life force that she is. Her radio show and the 500 shows she did for the Lifetime cable network — wow — of course, I've seen those, and you know they're thoughtful, they're witty. There is a lot of that in the play. Mark St. Germain is just a wonderful writer. He juxtaposes her life's journey from being in Kindertransport to her present with humanity and humor. And he captures the deliciousness with which she speaks about sex. It's just it's really great! What a what a boon I get to do this.

"At the heart of Dr. Ruth is an indomitable spirit. She talks about a Hebrew phrase that means 'repairing the world -- tikkun olam.' She never expected it to be through a series of terrible events that led her to realize that she wanted to help people. A lot of the people who had been through what she had been through went into professions that help others. The other thing about Dr. Ruth is this 'hunger' or eagerness -- she has a hunger for life. I think she was born with that. I think that was probably there, and she talks about the solid, beloved childhood that she had up until she was ten years old. There was not a lot of 'noise' in her head. Just go forward, go forward, keep going. She has a magic about her because there is a light around her and in her. A willingness to live life to the fullest and bring it to people - you know -- 'repairing the world.'

"The thing is, what do you walk away from this show feeling? Some brilliant person said, 'When we go to the theater, we go to see ourselves.' Maybe we go just to meet ourselves, to experience ourselves through whatever's [happening] on the stage. In this case, you will walk away uplifted, feeling hopeful, love, and the joy of life. The insistence that life is good. And I'm here for that."

"Becoming Dr. Ruth" will run on the Cape May Stage until June 30.