Production aims to reduce Alzheimer’s disease stigma, educate and entertain underserved communities
LOS ANGELES, January 3, 2023 — Gdavis Productions and Films, LLC and the Alzheimer’s Association are bringing the production of
Unforgettable, a dynamic and emotional stage play that showcases the effects of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, to Los Angeles on Saturday, January 14. The play sheds light on the importance of early detection, recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and the importance of underrepresented communities' participation in clinical trials.
“There is a lack of culturally appropriate and tailored programming that resonates with disproportionately affected and underserved audiences as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia care and support,” said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., M.P.H., chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at the Alzheimer's Association. “This community theater gives us the opportunity to deliver important disease-related information to the Los Angeles communities in a fun and entertaining way. We want audiences to come away with a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and of the resources and support that are available from the Alzheimer's Association to help families who are affected.”
Currently there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 690,000 in California. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as White Americans. Black Americans are also less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, with many receiving a diagnosis much later in the disease, when their medical needs are greater, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Unforgettable features a stellar cast of characters who were a part of the drama series
Daddy’s Boys, including Dartez Wright and Kenneth Pierce. American Idol finalist Scott Savol, LeJuene Thompson from
Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers and Yessie Rodriguez from the drama series
My Family are also featured. The
Unforgettable theme song was written by songwriter and vocalist Blanche McAllister, one of the lead singers from the Grammy award-winning group
Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers.
In July 2022,
Unforgettable debuted in Atlanta to two sold-out performances followed by sold-out shows in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Bowie, Maryland.
“Response to the play has been overwhelming,” said Garrett Davis,
Unforgettable creator and award-winning playwright and filmmaker. “The play illustrates what families affected by Alzheimer’s go through and encourages action. Being proactive in addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementia is especially important in Black/Latino communities who are at greater risk for the disease. I’m grateful that our message is resonating with audiences that have been vastly underserved for far too long.”
Gdavis Productions has been touring the country and raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving in communities of color for more than 13 years with the critically acclaimed stage plays
Forget Me Not and
Mama’s Girls. Over the last decade,
Forget Me Not has toured over 27 cities in 10 states in an attempt to close the health disparities gap in underserved and disproportionately affected communities.
Alzheimer’s Association staff will be on hand before and after the play to provide information on local support and education services and to answer audience questions.
For more information about
Unforgettable and to reserve your free ticket for the performance, visit
unforgettableplay.com.
About GDavis Productions
Gdavis Productions and films is an urban theater/film company that has been touring stage plays since 1994. Gdavis Production is committed to bringing real life situations to the stage that will bring light to issues and concerns that affect our community in hopes of creating a change for a better quality of life for everyone. Visit gdavisproductions.net for more information.
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.