Set inside a summer home on the titular lake in Maine, Thompson's story of family, forgiveness, ageism and change centers on Norman and Ethel Thayer, a loving couple married for nearly 50 years. The Thayers' typical routine of fishing and watching for loons is interrupted by the unexpected visit of their estranged, divorced daughter Chelsea, her new fiancé Bill Ray and his teenage son, Billy Ray.
As the persnickety Norman develops an unlikely friendship with Billy Ray, the story reflects on the power of healing and reconciliation, as well as the joys of cherishing life to the fullest.
“I’m an unapologetic sentimentalist who loves bringing truth and heart to my work,” said director and Human Race Resident Artist Richard E. Hess, who previously staged outstanding productions of “Race,” “Red,” “Doubt,” “Proof,” and “A Delicate Balance” at the Loft, to name just a few.
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“There is so much heart in this play, which reminds us that it’s never too late to forgive. When this play moves you it moves you simply and deeply because it speaks to truth whether you’re identifying with the characters who are facing death so greatly and feeling old, or you’re a daughter looking at aging parents, or you’re a kid looking at somebody you think is an old man and finding out he’s lots of fun.
"This play still works because anyone can find a way into it. Although the play is a cultural touchstone in a sense, it's not in the lexicon or something performed very often. If you've seen it before or even if you've seen it a million times, you've never seen it like this," he said.
Evidence of Hess’ promise of newness can be found in his striking casting of African-Americans in the roles of Bill Ray and Billy Ray. He stops short of labeling his decision non-traditional, but it’s still a significant move in terms of character depth and addressing the play’s universality.
"I wanted a diverse casting pool," Hess explained. "When I direct through my art I can tell a story that could be cast like this. There's nothing in the script that says anything (about race). Norman is an equal opportunity offender, so when Chelsea appears with who she appears with, the story becomes fresh. And I think that's good for Dayton and good for our world."
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In addition to Cincinnati native Ken Early as Bill Ray and Stivers School for the Arts student Kaleb Barlow in his professional stage debut as Billy Ray, the six-member cast includes regional veterans Joneal Joplin as Norman and Dale Hodges as Ethel. Jennifer Joplin plays Chelsea and Charlie Clark as Chelsea’s former flame, Charlie Martin. Hess memorably directed the Joplins in 2003’s dynamic “Proof.” He’s delighted to bring their innate chemistry and realism to another important father-daughter project.
"You know how you feel when someone gives you a very, very special present, a once-in-a-lifetime present, a present so rare that you can't believe you have it? And you think, 'that's it, I'm set forever.' That's how I felt when I directed Jen and Joneal in 'Proof.' And now, 14 years later, to be given such a gift a second time? It's inconceivably delicious."
"On Golden Pond" is perhaps best known for its iconic 1981 film version, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and Academy Awards for leading duo Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. The Human Race previously produced the show in 1999 for the Victoria Theatre Association at the Victoria Theatre.
WANT TO GO?
What: "On Golden Pond"
Where: Loft Theatre of the Metropolitan Arts Center, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
When: April 6-23; 8 p.m. April 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22; 2 p.m. April 9, 16 and 23; 7 p.m. April 9, 11-12, and 18-19; There is a Pay-What-You-Can open rehearsal April 5 at 8 p.m.
Cost: $35-$50 for adults; $32-$46 for seniors; $17.50-$25 for students; Prices vary depending on performance date.
Discounts: Select side-area seats available for $12 and $25 for all performances; "Sawbuck Sunday" April 9 at 7 p.m. – $10 seats available for walk up sales only.
Group sales: Contact Betty Gould at (937) 461-8295 or e-mail betty.gould@victoriatheatre.com
Tickets: Call (937) 228-3630 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org or ticketcenterstage.com
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