Photo by Joan Marcus

The comic-drama unfolds with interactions between two residents of a care home for the elderly - Weller (Jones) and Fonsia (Tyson). These two actors have a wonderful rapport and onstage chemistry. The characters' relationship resembles more of a roller coaster. They are drawn to each other again and again, despite various fallouts and temper tantrums. They feel comfort and solace in each other's company, opposed to the rest of the home's more "depressing" inhabitants. Perhaps the only thing Weller desires is a cards partner, but it is the Gin game of cards itself that unravels the cracks in his character and the destruction of this newly found connection.

Coburn's writing brings many a chuckle from the audience. No matter what your age, there is always something you identify with in his dialogue. Riccardo Hernandez serves as scenic and costume designer and his efforts compliment the production well, without detracting from the production's main appeal - two anchoring performances from two stellar actors. James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson have turned 84 and 91, respectively, and it is both wonderful and inspiring to see them performing a Broadway schedule. There has been something of an issue made of actors wearing earpieces for one reason or another, and I wholeheartedly encourage this, if we want to continue seeing such veterans on the stage. At the performance of The Gin Game I attended, if there were any occasions when Jones and Tyson strayed from the script, it just goes to show what seasoned professionals they are, because I for one never noticed.

I will treasure the memory of seeing these two stage legends together for many years to come and can only recommend you take the opportunity to do the same this week.

Click here for tickets to The Gin Game, which is booking through to 10 January 2016 at Broadway's John Golden Theatre.

- by Tom Millward