‘Gin Game’ holds all the right cards

Through wit and wry observations, the card game Gin Rummy becomes a springboard for two lonely senior citizens to ruminate on their lives in “The Gin Game.”

The dramatic comedy, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1978 for first-time playwright D.L. Coburn, has been thoughtfully crafted by the St. Louis Actors Studio in a scintillating production.

Two master thespians, Peter Mayer and Linda Kennedy, portray Weller Martin and Fonsia Dorsey, vividly creating a poignant, insightful and funny character study. They keep us rapt as we peer into the windows of their souls.

Director John Contini keeps it simple and on point, emphasizing both the humor and the heartache. He lets the actors shine as they reveal regrets, setbacks, happier times, and become an important lifeline to each other.

The setting is the back porch of a run-down old-folks home. They meet as gruff Weller plays solitaire, preferring to keep to himself, and Fonsia, upset about where she’s been dumped, attempts to find a quiet place to cry. Weller coaxes her to play cards. While he’s happy to have someone with a sharp mind to converse with, when Fonsia keeps winning, he turns sour and even more cantankerous. He lashes out, and a lifetime of disappointments come tumbling out.

Mayer is an explosive actor, and conveys Weller’s quick temper and frustrations about where he has wound up, but also projects his short-lived joy and sadness.

Kennedy reveals a strength behind the prim, petite, rigid woman, and can deliver a zinger slyly, to expert comic effect. Fonsia might appear weak and wilted, but she can be steely. On the other hand, Weller is more fragile than he appears.

The technical aspects enhance this work, with scenic designer Cristie Johnston appropriately conveying a seedy, forlorn atmosphere, and Dalton Robison’s light design complimenting the moods. Director John Contini doubled as sound designer, which was spot on, and provided a terrific nostalgic soundtrack that also augmented the play. Costume designer Carla Landis Evans outfitted church-going Fonsia perfectly in tasteful dresses and suits.

This metaphor on life is potent, and after an entertaining two acts, one realizes that there is far more to contemplate. You want to pull up a chair to the card table and sit a spell with the pair.

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 3:53 PM with the headline "‘Gin Game’ holds all the right cards."