Simon says

By Meredith Deliso

Don’t let the name fool you.

Neil Simon’s 1970 play “The Gingerbread Lady” is not the sweet romp that may be suggested by such a benign title, as it delves into such tough themes as alcoholism while exploring the strained relationship between a woman (played by Sydney Davis, left) and her former show-biz star mother (played by Alicia Adams, right).

Still, there are room for laughs in the dark drama, says Ruth Masyr, producer of the Ridge Repertory Company. The grass-roots theater opens its season on Jan. 22 with a two-weekend run of the play at the Bay Ridge Jewish Center, directed by omnipresent Ridge theater talent James Martinelli and starring, in large part, Simon’s sharp, observational wit.

“It has great lines,” said Masyr. “You’re laughing your way through the serious things. That’s what life is all about.”

Simon couldn’t have said it better himself.

“The Gingerbread Lady” at the Bay Ridge Jewish Center [405 81st St. at Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge, (718) 836-3103], Jan. 22-Feb. 6, Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets $18. For info, call (718) 836-3103.

Photo by Janice Yi