On Golden Pond Opens May 9

by Rachel Kramer

On Golden Pond, a play by  Ernest Thompson, is now in rehearsal!  This drama is a wonderful old-fashioned testimonial to long-lost youth, facing one's mortality, and the glue that holds everything together...love and family.  T he story revolves around Norman and Ethel Theyer, an elderly couple, and their annual pilgrimage to a New England summer home on Golden Pond.  Norman, played by ACT I veteran Jim Hilliard, as a crotchety, generally unaffectionate gentleman.  He is approaching his 80th birthday, and his hypochondriac tendencies lead him to believe this will be his last.  Abrupt, callous, and remote, Norman must have been quite a character for those growing up under his roof.  Ethel, Norman's "better half," is played by Sue Gates.  Although Sue is not new to the ACT I stage, this is her first leading role.  Her enthusiasm is wonderfully contagious!  Ethel is the glue that helps hold the Thayer family together.  Sue brings sincerity to the devoted, compassionate, and good-natured character of Ethel.  During the most of the show, it is only for Ethel that Norman steps out of his shield of emotional armor to display genuine affection.

Norman and Ethel's summer is disrupted when their daughter Chelsea arrives for a visit after years of being away.  She is accompanied by her boyfriend Bill and his son Billy.  Norman and Ethel invite Billy to stay with them for the summer, and although Billy is not happy with his summer living arrangements, the seasonal activity of fishing begins...along with unexpected emotional bonding between Billy and Norman.

The role of Chelsea is being played by ACT I veteran Halane Cummings.  Halane brings another layer of emotional substance to this show, and her bond with the other actors is strong and heartfelt.  Chelsea's boyfriend Bill is played by Anthony Bopp.  Tony brings expertise and added energy to any production he is involved in and is always delightful to watch onstage.  Billy, the teenage boy, is played by Will Hancock.  Will is also a great young actor, and the relationship that develops between young and old characters is priceless!  Dave Gates plays the role of Charlie the mailman.  Charlie was Chelsea's love interest in her younger years, and Dave brings humor to the relationship between his character and Chelsea.  The role of the operator is played by ACT I veteran Suzanne Westlund.  Suzie is always fun to watch onstage in any role she happens to be playing.

I visited a rehearsal of On Golden Pond, and I was immediately impressed with not only the actors but also with the director.  Nancy Beckman is directing this production.  It was captivating to watch her focus and attention to detail, guiding the actor's through the process of developing this wonderful show.  I also must mention the positive chemistry I felt as soon as I walked into the studio, which is obviously felt among the entire cast.  I wanted to share with you some interesting quotes I picked  up from the cast while sitting on the "Director's Notes," at the end of the rehearsal ...

            "I'd be involved in anything Nancy directs, even if she was directing traffic."
                            --Anthony Bopp

            "I am touched while performing with Sue.  Since losing my own mother, it's comforting to remember her during this show."
                            -- Halane Cummings

            "I can relate to the role of Norman, being an 'old poop' and a 'Nice grouch' myself."
                            -- Jim Hilliard

            "I am so proud of this wonderful cast!"
                            -- Nancy Beckman

On Golden Pond will be performed on the Palace stage May 9, 10, and 11 and May 16, 17, and 18.  The sponsor for this production is Farmers Savings Bank and Trust of Vinton.  This is a show for all ages and all backgrounds.  The story of regret, love withheld, and love unspoken, disappointment; and finally forgiveness, acceptance, and renewal, make On Golden Pond a timeless classic for the stage.  This talented cast of all ages will have the audience remembering what is important in life ... love.  "Love never fails."

For additional information about this production, go to the On Golden Pond show page of this website at www.act1.org/pond.htm.

The ACT I Ticket information line and Palace Theatre Box Office number is 472-9957.  Call now for reservations for On Golden Pond!"

ACT I Announces 29th Season