It’s a sunny Sunday afternoon at Bentley Nursing Home. Birds chirp in the trees by the back porch as a man plays cards by himself. When a woman, new to the home, joins him in a game of gin, the duo learn more about each other, and themselves in the process.
Southeast Texas Stages presents “The Gin Game” through April 12. The play focuses on two senior citizens in a rundown retirement home. Weller Martin (J.J Jackson) is a self-proclaimed expert at the card game Gin. He is also a social recluse, turning his nose up at the local entertainment and evening activities. Fonsia Dorsey (Laura Chapman) is his foil, extroverted and more willing to strike up a conversation with someone new.
As they play round after round of Gin Rummy, the pair discuss their lives before Bentley, from their highs to their lows and everything in between. But to Weller’s dismay, Fonsia has a continuous streak of beginner’s luck. As she beats him in every game they play, a new side of Weller is brought to light — and also with Fonsia.
Jackson’s Weller is a hardened elderly man who has repressed issues underneath the surface, which are emphasized by Jackson’s acting. Visitors who remember “A Christmas Carol” will see Jackson in a role besides the cranky, but loveable Ebenezer Scrooge which shows his amazing range.
Chapman’s Fonsia is joyful and funny. Her character is the ray of sunshine in Weller’s life and emanates the energy of a wholesome grandmother. But the second act is where Chapman’s range really shines and Fonsia becomes more than a stereotypical “wholesome granny.”
“The Gin Game” is a somber tale and does not sugarcoat the issues senior citizens in nursing homes typically feel, such as loneliness and regret. As a younger person, it gave me a new perspective on getting older that no one really talks about.
Director Anna Goss ties everything together beautifully and mixes tragedy with humor and wit. It is a must see for audiences young and old.
Showtimes continue April 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Southeast Texas Stages is located at 4155 Laurel Ave. in Beaumont. For tickets, visit setxs.org.
