[NEohioPAL]GIN GAME @ ENSEMBLE + PREVIEWS

[Roy Berko]

GIN GAME WINS AT ENSEMBLE THEATRE, OTHER EVENTS
PREVIEWED
	
		Roy Berko
	(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

	--Times Newspapers--

	Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times


	Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronin were know as the first
couple of Broadway.  They appeared in many shows
together, probably none more memorable than THE GIN
GAME.  Reuben and Dorothy Silver are known as the
first couple of Cleveland theatre.  They also have
appeared in many shows together.  And, probably none
is more memorable than THE GIN GAME.
	The 1978 Pulitzer Prize went to THE GIN GAME.  The
writer, D. L. Coburn uses the card game as a metaphor
for life.  The story concerns the interactions between
two residents of a seedy nursing home.  Both have been
thrust into their surroundings by a combination of
poor finances and a series of life decisions.  Weller
Martin is an embittered man full of rage.  Fonsia
Dorsey is a prim and self-righteous lady who has
forsaken her only son through revenge.  Even in the
game Weller finds himself the perpetual loser and
Fonsia, who wins in the game, continues to return for
more verbal abuse in spite of her protestations.   The
conclusion leaves both the characters and the audience
unnerved.
	The Silvers performed THE GIN GAME seven years ago on
the same Ensemble stage.  When asked why they are
revisiting the piece they stated, “We were determined
to make the obligatory effort to refresh and deepen
our earlier production, and particularly, to
rediscover the weightier issue of Weller and Fonsia’s
relationship--the issues that might be masked by the
stronger humor.” Some might ask if the Silvers,
themselves, needed to revisit themselves after almost
a decade of growth and aging.
	The Silvers give strong performances in the
well-crafted play.  The strongest moment of the
evening  is the ending when Weller, who has longed to
win a single hand of cards in an attempt to counter a
lifetime of defeats, exits the stage a broken man. 
Reuben, leaves no doubt that he is a defeated soul. 
Fonsia at that same moment realizes her self-righteous
rigidity has led to driving away yet another human
being.  Dorothy, as she sits alone on stage, properly
reflects that anguish.  These are fine performances.
	It is doubtful that the Silvers will reprise this
show again, so if you ever plan to see it, now is the
time!
	THE GIN GAME runs through November 25 at Ensemble
Theatre, located in The Civic, 3130 Mayfield Road
(west entrance; just east of Lee Road) in Cleveland
Heights. 

	TONY N’ TINA TO BREAK CLEVELAND’S LONGEST RUNNING
RECORD

	TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING has been extended once again!!
 This
continuation will enable the show to surpass JACQUES
BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS, and become
the longest running production in Cleveland history.  
	The new block of tickets, good from January 15 to May
26, 2002, will go on sale to the general public on
Thanksgiving Day.  To “get invited” to TONY N’ TINA’S
WEDDING go on-line to Tickets.com or call 216-241-6000
or 800-766-6048. Group discounts for select
performances are available through 216-685-1701.

	OTHER ATTRACTIONS

	Cleveland Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s
delightful THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE from November 30
through December 2, to be followed by LA CENERENTOLA
(CINDERELLA) from February 22-24, 2002.  For tickets
call 216-575 0903.

	Dobama Theatre presents the world premiere of the
musical FULL MOON from November 30-December 22.  For
information call 216-932-6838.

	Great Lakes Theatre Festival presentsA CHRISTMAS
CAROL by Charles Dickens from November 28-December 23.
  This is a wonderful way to introduce children to
live theatre.  For tickets call 216-241-5490 or
1-800-766-6048.

	Children should be entranced by RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS
SPECTACULAR on stage at Playhouse Square’s State
Theatre from December 6-30.  For tickets call 216-241
6000 or 1-800-766-6048.


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