Bestselling Writer Debuts Selections from New Musical ‘Big Man’ at Edgehill
A Musical Inspired by a Beloved Resident
Big Man is a powerful new musical inspired by Edgehill Memory Care resident Alan Berk, written by his daughter-in-law, New York Times bestselling author and playwright Sheryl Berk. The show features an original book and lyrics by Berk, with a score by Billboard-charting composer Billy Recce.
The story follows Albert, an 85-year-old retired salesman who refuses to be diminished by Alzheimer’s. Instead, he escapes into a glittering 1960s Las Vegas fantasy, befriending a Rat Pack-era superstar who urges him to roll the dice, swing big and keep living life large.
Berk was inspired to write the musical after a 2024 visit to Edgehill. She recalls, “I showed Papa pictures on my phone of a Sinatra photo exhibit. He lit up like the Vegas Strip at midnight! His eyes sparkled, he smiled and he told me—with incredible clarity and enthusiasm—about seeing ‘Frankie’ in concert, shaking his hand, even sharing a drink with him. Whether those memories were real or fantasy did not really matter. It brought him joy, and I realized it could be a powerful bridge between us.”
Sharing the Joy with the Edgehill Community
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, several selections from Big Man were performed before an audience of Edgehill residents and associates, many of whom have encountered dementia in their own families. The event supported Team Edgehill’s 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The musical is being developed with a team of seasoned Broadway professionals for a commercial run.
“We are delighted Sheryl is sharing her show with us,” says Team Edgehill Captain Joan Weisman. “Alan was a much-loved member of our community, and we are grateful for the energy his wife Barbara brings to our team. We have raised over $100,000 for the walk. Our community is committed to defeating this disease.”
A Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes
“We are thrilled to give residents a sneak peek of what we are creating,” says Berk. “When I first shared some lyrics with my mother-in-law, she said, ‘You truly get it.’ Those words mean everything. Caregivers need to feel seen. They need to know they are not alone—that their sacrifices and their love are recognized and honored.”