Wheaton Drama director discusses 'On Golden Pond'
Dee Hicks on directing Ernest Thompson's "On Golden Pond" at Wheaton Drama.
When you think about "On Golden Pond", I'm sure you are reminded of the wonderful story portrayed by the award-winning movie performances of Hepburn and Fonda. But, do you remember it as a comedy or as a drama? It is this director's opinion that the story is a struggle to accept the aging process in a comedic way. The feisty, almost 80-year-old Norman (Steve Blount) is showing signs of forgetfulness, but still has an edge over most of his combatants - except for Ethel (Georgia Hamilton), his adoring wife of almost 50 years
This play is about many things: love, disappointment, regret, forgiveness, acceptance, and many other unspoken feelings. It's funny, emotional and (hopefully) will bring a tear to one's eye through laughter and compassion.
This play was originally presented on Broadway in 1979 and performed only 126 times. Its popularity soared in 1981 when Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda starred in the movie, for which playwright Ernest Thompson won an Oscar. The movie has been shown throughout the world and the play has been produced in 40 countries, including three Broadway houses and theatres throughout America.
In 2005, "On Golden Pond" was revived on Broadway starring James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams. This production won a Tony for Best Play Revival and James Earl Jones received the Tony for Best Actor.
To quote the playwright, “While the play, like any work of art, is about many things, what I thought I was writing as a young man was a study in dysfunction, one family's struggles with what we all struggle with – age, rage, regret, love withheld, love unspoken, disappointment and, ultimately, if we're lucky, forgiveness, acceptance and renewal.”
"On Golden Pond" crosses the generation gap and appeals to most age groups. The story shows that even Billy (Drew Beasley), the awkward 13-year-old, and Norman, the old curmudgeon, find a way to communicate. Norman and Ethel's daughter Chelsea (Jennifer Ciombor) isn't sure she wants a relationship with her dad, but eventually they work out their differences. The other characters (Bill Ray, played by Deven Ferber and Charlie Martin, played by Vincent Scalone) complement the storyline and bring humor to the situation.
Wheaton Drama is a perfect setting to perform one of the warmest plays I have had the pleasure of directing.
Performances of "On Golden Pond" at Wheaton Drama are Nov. 18 to Dec. 11 (no show Thanksgiving Day). Shows are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $13 each on Thursdays; $16 each Fridays - Sundays.
"On Golden Pond" is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Wheaton Drama's 2011-2012 season also includes "Bad Seed" (1/27 – 2/19), "Black Comedy" (3/23 – 4/15), and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (5/25 – 6/17).
Wheaton Drama's productions are staged at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St. in downtown Wheaton.
For show tickets and information, please visit www.wheatondrama.org, or call (630) 260-1820.