D.L. Coburn’s tragicomedy “The Gin Game” opened at Cape May Stage on Aug. 10 and runs through Sept. 22. Winner of the 1978 Pulitzer Prize and a Tony nominee for Best Play, “The Gin Game” tells the story of Fonsia Dorsey, a woman in her twilight years now residing in a low-end retirement home. Her loneliness is interrupted by the surly charm of fellow resident Weller Marin who teaches her how to play Gin. Weller and Fonsia’s regret-filled lives and relationships, both with each other and the world, become more and more transparent through every hand of Gin.
The cast features Jennifer Harmon as Fonsia Dorsey, a prim and proper elderly woman who appears to be a fragile victim. Jennifer Harmon’s Broadway credits include “Other Desert Cities,” “The Dinner Party” and “Blithe Spirit.” Other theatre, television and film credits include “Outside Mullingar,” “The Good Wife,” “Eat, Pray, Love,” “Law & Order” and “One Life to Live.”
Playing Weller Marin, a brash angry man who longs for victory to correct a lifetime of defeat, is veteran actor Bill Tatum. Bill previously appeared at Cape May Stage in “Moon Over Buffalo” and “Mary, Mary.” This past winter he appeared in “In White America.” His television appearances include “As The World Turns,” “Law & Order” and “The Office Party.”
Award-winning director Roy Steinberg says, “‘The Gin Game’ is a challenging complex witty play with laughter and tears. It is the perfect blend of comedy and tragedy.” Steinberg says he chose this play “not only because of the availability of rare talent, but also because ‘The Gin Game’ speaks directly to the community in Cape May.”
The New York Times called the play “a thoroughly entertaining lesson in the fine art of theatrical finesse… the closest thing the theatre offers to a duel at 10 paces.” “The Gin Game” runs through Sept. 22. There will be a Talkback on Aug. 25, a Best Value Night on Sept. 5 and a Pay-What-You-Wish Night on Sept. 12. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. For ticket information, visit capemaystage.org or call the box office at (609) 770-8311.