TiAhwaga Players to present ‘The Gin Game’

TiAhwaga Players to present ‘The Gin Game’

Beginning on March 13, “The Gin Game” will be performed at the TiAhwaga Theater in Owego, N.Y., and will run weekends until March 29. (Provided Photo)

On March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29, the TiAhwaga Community Players will present The Gin Game, by D.L. Coburn. The performance will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 2 p.m.

The elderly population of the United States is burgeoning and this means that more and more of us will face the possibility of entry into what was once quaintly referred to as an “old age home”. It is on this cheerful note that The TiAhwaga Community Players, itself entering into its golden years, having been founded in 1957, is bringing back The Gin Game for a three weekend run starting March 13.

The play, described as a Tragi-Comedy, had its Broadway debut in 1977 under the Direction of Mike Nichols and starred Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, who so occupied their roles that they became indelibly associated with Fonsia Dorsey and Weller Martin, the elderly characters they portrayed.

TiAhwaga first produced The Gin Game in 1981, with Pat and Phil Nichols in the roles and directed by Bruce Brent and now, 34 years later, and again under Brent’s direction, Jane and Keith Nichols will be attempting to find out if the “home” they find themselves consigned to is “anything more than a warehouse for the intellectually and emotionally dead” or whether it is a place where love and meaning can still be found.

This play, although comedic, features intense emotional display and the language is not going to please the Sunshine Ladies; in fact, Weller is labeled a “hopeless sinner” by Fonsia for his imprecations. So be forewarned and don’t bring the kids.

The TiAhwaga Community Theater at 42 Delphine St. in Owego, N.Y. has cabaret style seating for 150 and offers beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Tickets are $20.00, $18.00 for seniors and $15.00 for students with I.D. The box office telephone number is 687-2130 or tickets are available online at www.tiahwaga.com.