THE GIN GAME Set for Barter Stage II, Beg. 6/19

Two familiar faces take the stage at Barter-as you've never seen them before. Richard Rose and Mary Lucy Bivins star in "The Gin Game," beginning June 19 at Barter Stage II. This explosive play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1978, and Barter's production proves that it is even more relevant today than when it debuted.

In "The Gin Game," by D.L. Coburn, a simple game of cards quickly escalates in to vicious battle of wits. Fonsia (Bivins) and Weller (Rose) are acquaintances, connected only by their mutual loathing of the nursing home where they live. As the game continues, day after day, long-buried secrets and resentments are revealed, until the tension builds to an explosive climax.

Mary Lucy Bivins is beloved by Barter audiences for her many roles, including, most recently, the grandmotherly Mattie Rigsbee in this spring's "Walking Across Egypt" and the delightfully catty Ozella Meeks in "Southern Fried Funeral," now playing. Here, Bivins may shock audiences with her raw, gritty performance as Fonsia Dorsey.

Richard Rose has been Barter's Producing Artistic Director for 21 years, and his face is familiar to thousands of patrons from his nightly curtain speeches. "The Gin Game" marks his first acting role at Barter Theatre, and, given his intense schedule, it may be the only time audiences get to see him perform on stage. The role of Weller is a challenging one for any actor, as the character's confident bluster begins to crack under the frustrations of the game.

Fonsia and Weller are fascinating, imperfect people who are "raging against the dying of the light." The play asks the question "Is it ever too late to change?"

Director Eugene Wolf was selected to direct. Seen on the stages at Barter for many years, this year marks his first primarily directing. "I have had a wonderful time putting this show together with two friends and veterans of this sweet business," he said.

"The Gin Game" premiered on Broadway in 1977 was originally acted by husband and wife team Jessica Tandy and Barter alum Hume Cronyn. In addition to the play winning a Tony, Tandy won the Tony Award for Actress in a Drama.

Also playing at Barter's Stage II is "The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead" and "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Call 276.628.3991 or visit BarterTheatre.com for tickets and more information.

Pictured: Mary Lucy Bivins and Richard Rose is Barter's "The Gin Game."