THE GIN GAME June 16-July 2

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) & Neat Art Studio of Netarts are delighted to bring the production of THE GIN GAME to Tillamook. Written by D.L. Coburn, directed by Robert Buckingham and produced by Kristin Johnson, THE GIN GAME tells the story of two unlikely outcasts forging a new friendship rather late in life.Fonsia Dorsey, portrayed by Doral Vance, is a new resident at a nursing home for senior citizensand happens to meet Weller Martin, portrayed by Rodney Dahl, a loner and longtime resident at the home. Weller decides to help Fonsia work out the newbie jitters by playing a game of gin rummy. Having never played the game before, Weller teachers Fonsia the basics and she instantly has a case of beginners’ luck, which eats away at poor Weller. This builds her confidence and hilariously irritates Weller, as he assumed an easy victory. He tries, and tries again to foil the newbie’s luck to no avail. They discover that they’ve both been cast aside and no longer fit in. This begins a friendship where the two play gin rummy and discuss their families, money, society, and the outside world. Stories like Weller & Fonsia’s happen far too often where people find themselves isolated and alienated from those they once loved. Thinking their good years are behind them, they are both surprised to find themselves making a new friend when old patterns of self-destructive behavior creep back in.
The Gin Game, 1978 Pulitzer Prize winning drama written by D.L. Coburn, is a poignant story of people who fight loneliness, loss, and each other while playing Weller’s favorite game and the only thing that helps counter a lifetime of defeats. Their story is of friendship and love, but is also about tension, competitiveness and ultimately the failure to keep oneself from falling into their same old patterns that drove their loved ones away in the first place.
Performances will be held at The Barn Community Playhouse in Tillamook on June 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & July 1 2023 at 7:00PM and June 18, 25, & July 2 2023 at 2:00PM. Doors open one half hour prior to curtain. Tickets are on sale now at tillamooktheater.com or call the TAPA box office at (503) 812-0275 to purchase tickets, ask questions or you need assistance. As always, opening night is Gala Night where each ticket holder receives one free beverage and complimentary Hors D’oeuvres. THE GIN GAME does contain adult language so viewer discretion is advised.