On Golden Pond opens Feb. 27 at Park Ballroom
Chelsea (Claire Fundaro), and Bill (Kevin Ager) catch a glimpse of the loons as they look over Golden Pond in Wine Country Theatre’s production of On Golden Pond.
This month, Wine Country Theatre is its first production of its second season of shows. John Lambie and Patricia Alexander will star in the classic, On Golden Pond, written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Cynthia Anthony. The show will open on Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. and continue through Sunday, March 15 at The Park Ballroom, 1232 Park Street in downtown Paso Robles.
The play, which was presented on Broadway years before the famous movie, is an American classic. Set in a cabin by a lake in the state of Maine, the story of an aging couple confronted by deep family strife and their undying love even in the face of their mortality is a humorous and warm look at life, forgiveness, hope and acceptance.
Lovable curmudgeon Norman Thayer is as tart-tongued as ever. His spirited wife, Ethel, delights in all the small things that have enriched their lives. Together, they are returning to their summer home on the lake for the forty-eighth year and are soon visited by their adult daughter, her uptight fiancé, and his rebellious teenage son. On Golden Pond is a heartwarming story about revisiting the past and forging new bonds across generations. This modern classic remains an inspiring celebration of the universal challenges we all face, and the ultimate triumphs of life, love, and family.
The cast features local actor, John Lambie, and Paso Robles newcomer Patricia Alexander. The characters of Chelsea, Bill and the Operator are played by Claire Fundaro, Kevin Ager and Beth Marshall. Dylan Ginng, a young 12-year-old actor from Paso Robles, plays the role of Billy Ray.
The cast, director and technical crew have many professional credits and represent the kind of local talent that Wine Country Theatre seeks to find. “We want to build a community of artists and audiences,” says Laurie Zenobio, communications director for the company. “Community theatre has the special power to bring us together, to help our towns become communities. Many creative people have joined together who share a vision of putting on quality shows that not only entertain the audience but also broaden the understanding of the world in which we live.”
Wine Country Theatre is San Luis Obispo County’s newest theatre company, having opened just one year ago during which they presented three popular shows: It Had to Be You, Guys and Dolls and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! Working as a part of Project Theatre, the nonprofit aims to provide professional-caliber community theatre to the North County.
Although they do not have a permanent performance venue, they continue to find unique locations to present their shows. The Park Ballroom, with its high ceilings, raised stage and great downtown location will serve as their theatrical home throughout 2015.
Performances for On Golden Pond are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are general admission and cost $25. Student tickets are $15. Wine and snacks will be available for purchase and may be enjoyed during the performance. For tickets, call call Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006 or order online at www.WineCountryTheatre.com.
