The Gin Game

The Gin Game on Broadway Background

The Gin Game is a play by D.L. Coburn, originally written and produced in 1976. The 2015 revival, which begins performances on September 18, 2015 and officially opens on October 13, 2015, stars James Earl Jones as Weller Martin, and Cicely Tyson as Fonsia Dorsey. This play is famously a two-hander for two experienced, older actors, and really gives a chance for both performers to play magnificent roles. James Earl Jones was last seen on Broadway in You Can’t Take It With You, and other Broadway roles have included Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, Driving Miss Daisy, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, On Golden Pond, and Fences. Cicely Tyson was last seen on Broadway in The Trip to Bountiful, and her other Broadway credits include The Corn in Green, Trumpets of the Lord, and Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights. Of course, both actors also have substantial screen credits. The play is directed by Leonard Foglia (The People in the Picture, Thurgood, On Golden Pond).

What's The Gin Game Like?

This is the third time the play has been performed on Broadway. The play won the 1978 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the two previous Broadway productions were nominated for a number of Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Revival of a Play, and Best Actress in a Play.

Consistently, Fonsia wins their games of gin rummy, and the fact the Weller continues to lose becomes an increasing source of frustration for him. Meanwhile, as they play cards, they have meaningful conversations about their lives and families, as well as their general thoughts on life and humanity. The play is touching, humorous, and inspiring, and these two great actors are sure to give tour de force performances in these roles designed for actors who have been developing into greatness over a long career.

Is The Gin Game Good for Kids?

Yes, the show is most appropriate for children over the age of 8. Children under the age of 4 will not be permitted in the theatre.