Being Barbara

SUN CITY – Occasionally, a book’s story will leap right off the page. But a book reviewed by Jenny Riddle always comes alive.

This June, Riddle will return to Sun City to perform a dramatic portrayal of Barbara Walters’ book “Audition: A Memoir,” bringing Walters’ written story to the stage.

Jenny Riddle. (Photo provided)

“I’m a dramatic book reviewer. For the past 15 years, I’ve been bringing books to life. What I try to do is pick a theme from somebody’s life, and with Barbara Walters, the question is ‘who is Barbara and what influence has she had on the world?’ She’s had a tremendous influence on female journalists giving women the opportunity,” said Riddle.

This performance will specifically showcase Walters’ achievements in gender equality.

“She was a minority at the time, and she was very smart and a very good writer. She put cracks in the glass ceiling. It wasn’t always easy being the only woman in the room,” Riddle said.

Although Riddle is not the only woman in the room at her shows, she is the sole performer. She writes the scripts with the help of her mother, whom she considers to be her best friend.

“We take a book and we try to craft a story from the book. I think it’s important to find a universal message, something that people can relate to. We always try to make people laugh and maybe draw a tear every once in a while,” said Riddle.

What makes Riddle’s shows unique is her inclusion of music.

“One of the things I’ve tried to do from the beginning is incorporate music. At the end of almost every program, I sing a song that’s usually a parody,” she said.

Riddle’s show is not only performance-based. While her shows include an acting segment, they also feature a chance to engage with the audience to discuss other books. She describes her shows as “the sharing of ideas,” where she interacts with the audience as a performer and also as a book reviewer.

“It’s a really intimate time with the audience, sharing my favorite reads with people,” she said.

“Audition: A Memoir” will perform June 11 at 2 p.m. in the Prairie Lodge. Tickets purchased in advance are $10.

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