Summer Stage 2018 sets its “Festival of Stage Arts” in motion on Tuesday, June 26 with the Fringe Theater production of “The Gin Game” by D.L. Coburn, playing through Saturday night. The play will be presented at the Woman’s Club, 319 Duval St. All curtains are at 7 p.m.
The show is the first of several theatrical events on the Summer Stage schedule that includes productions by TheatreXP, Fringe Theater, the Red Barn, the Studios of Key West, and the Key West Theater. Summer Stage events run through July 28.
“The Gin Game” enjoyed a sold out run at the Fringe last season. When asked what she’d like to do for Summer Stage this year, Fringe artistic director Rebecca Tomlinson didn’t hesitate.
“There were so many people who didn’t get a chance to see this remarkable play,” Tomlinson said. “We sold out so fast and didn’t have the ability to extend the run during the season. So we’re really excited to be able to bring it back for Summer Stage, and with the same cast and crew.”
“The Gin Game” stars Vanessa McCaffrey as the withdrawn Fonsia Dorsey, and Don Bearden as the excitable and sometimes surly Weller Martin. They are residents at a retirement home that has seen better days, and at their first meeting, Weller draws Fonsia into a game of gin rummy, despite her not knowing how to play. During their games, they learn a lot about each other, but the fact that Fonsia continually beats Weller begins to weigh on their relationship.
“The Gin Game” won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Coburn, and garnered nominations for Tonys and Drama Desk Awards.
Tickets for “The Gin Game” and all other Summer Stage events are available at redbarntheatre.com/tickets or by calling 305-296-9911.
For information on all Summer Stage events, visit keywestsummerstage.com or call TheatreXP at 302-540-6102.
