Cindy Keiter: Embracing the Moment, One Line (and Laugh) at a Time
Playwright and Performer, She Takes Flight
Cindy Keiter knows a thing or two about perspective. As she puts it, being “the oldest and shortest” in She Takes Flight gives her a unique vantage point, one shaped by decades of living as a middle-aged woman in New York City and beyond. And she’s not afraid to throw that perspective onstage, unapologetically and with gusto.
A lifelong observer of humanity, whether on the subway, in a New York Times article, or while coloring with her pointy colored pencils, Cindy’s inspiration comes from everywhere: her wife, her cat, Rachel Maddow, and the vibrant swirl of good food and tennis matches that make up her day-to-day. All of it feeds into her artistry.
At 19, while rehearsing a one-act play during her first week at the University of Hawaii, Cindy was struck by the proverbial lightning bolt. “That was it,” she says. A beginner’s acting class meant for extra credit became a lifelong calling. It wasn’t until college that she even realized theater was her thing, but once she did, she never looked back.
She’s stepping back into the spotlight for She Takes Flight with a stellar group of collaborators who, like her, have lived a few decades and have the stories to prove it. Under the direction of Kelly O’Donnell and alongside fellow artists Adina Taubman, Gaby Kohen, Sora Baek, and Susan Ward, Cindy is diving into the wild, hilarious, and honest world of aging, identity, and friendship.
For Cindy, the most rewarding challenge is hearing her own words spoken aloud, especially the gems. One of her favorite lines? “My Aunt Vinnie says your skeletal system and spiritual aura are challenged with your lack of Titty Ball.” Delivered with the wide-eyed wisdom of a 10-year-old friend, it’s a moment that never fails to make her laugh, and the audience, too.
She’s proud, proud of their endurance, of their honesty, and of their willingness to throw it all out there onstage at the Chain Theatre in Midtown. The stories it holds are deeply personal, but they’re also universal, meant for anyone from young adults to the young at heart who appreciate the truth told with a wink.
You can find out more about Cindy and her work at www.cindykeiter.com or simply do a Google or IMDb search. She’s not on social media—because she’s too busy living the real story.
Catch Cindy Keiter and her brilliant castmates when they open their four-week run at the Chain Theatre (312 W 36th St) starting May 17. Come see what sticks—and what sparkles.
