In The Beginning
The Gin Game was first produced in September of 1976 by American Theatre Arts in a 56-seat theater at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle in Los Angeles. The Artistic Director of the theater was Don Eitner and the first director of the play was Kip Niven.

A favorable review in Variety brought the play to the attention of The Actors Theatre of Louisville where the play became one of the first offerings in its now famous festival of new plays. It was here that Jon Jory brought the play to the attention of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, who then sent it to Mike Nichols. Remarkably, Mr. Nichols signed on to direct within 24 hours, and the production destined for Broadway was formed.

In July of 1977, the play opened at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, followed by an engagement at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston. On October 6, 1977, less than 13 months after the first performance before perhaps 50 people, The Gin Game opened on Broadway to rave reviews. It continued for 516 performances before going on triumphant tours of the United States, England and the Soviet Union.