October 31, 2015 – The Gin Game at The John Golden – A Shubert Theatre, was written by D. L. Coburn (8/4/1938 – ) and directed by Leonard Foglia. Opening Night was October 14, 2015 and closes January 10, 2016. It was first produced at the John Golden in 1977-1978 and revived at the Lyceum in 1997.

The story takes place at an “old people’s home” where Seller Martin prefers  to remain on the cluttered porch and not mingle with the other residents. Fonsia Dorsey arrives to take up residence at the home and wanders out to the porch. The two soon strike up a friendship and he persuades her to play gin rummy (his passion). She starts to win each of the hands and he becomes frustrated. Soon all the resentment, anger and self frustration leave the recesses of their personalities and come to the fore. The disappointments, insecurities and personal failures that occurred during their lives take over their lives and interaction. Fiery rhetoric give way to mutual dependence and friendship, albeit fret with frustration.

It is such a joy to see two consummate professionals at the ages of 84 and 91 perform in this charming play. A charming play for seniors to participate in and provide an insight on what all our lives may be like as we age. The set works as a cluttered / storage place which was once a terrific porch. Both the actors do a tremendous job and enjoy themselves and thus entertain the audience.

Seller Martin – James Earl Jones (1/17/1931 to present – A dozen Broadway shows with Tony and Drama Desk Awards for – Fences, Great White Hope was last seen in You Can’t take it With You) and Fonsia Dorsey – Cicely Tyson (12/19/1924 to present – 10 Broadway performances with Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her last show The Trip To Bountiful).

In summary a charming small play that will provide insight on the human condition and feelings of a life lived with all its warts and achievements.