EASTHAMPTON — Opening March 15 at Williston Theater, the Easthampton Theater Company will present its latest production, “On Golden Pond,” the beloved Ernest Thompson classic.
Directed by Jason Rose-Langston (Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song), this humorous and poignant play promises to captivate audiences with its powerful exploration of relationships, aging and connection.
“‘On Golden Pond’ is a masterpiece of emotional depth, wit and tenderness,” said Rose-Langston. “In this production, we’re not only bringing this timeless story to the stage — we’re honoring its exploration of universal themes that are more relevant today than ever. Audiences will experience both light-hearted humor and poignancy while characters confront aging, bridge generational divides, and find home, family and love along the way.”
While “On Golden Pond” may be best known from its Academy Award winning 1981 cinematic adaptation, the 1979 Broadway Tony and Golden Globe nominated play brings an arguably funnier and more emotionally engaging depiction.
“Easthampton Theater’s ‘On Golden Pond’ brings a fresh emotional intensity to a play that has captured hearts for decades,” said producer Michael Budnick, who also is the theater company’s president and co-founder. “This production proves that the themes of family, aging and reconciliation are more timeless and relatable than ever. Plus, this play reminds us that families, weather related or blended, are made up of all-too-fallible humans who can be quirky and funny. Ernest Thompson is a master of subtle humor and mood shifts.”
Set against the serene backdrop of a tranquil lake in New England, “On Golden Pond” tells the story of Norman and Ethel Thayer, an elderly couple returning to their annual summer home. The story becomes a stirring meditation on life’s inevitable changes and resonates deeply with anyone who has ever grappled with love, loss or the complexities of familial bonds.
Rose-Langston explained to Reminder Publishing that he brought the suggestion of doing “On Golden Pond” to the theater having had the story in the back of his mind all these years from the movie adaptation’s run on basic cable years ago. Specifically, the plays story of intergenerational conflicts that almost every family faces caught Rose-Langston’s thoughts as he grows through his life.
“What I particularly was drawn to at this show at this point in my life — and as a time as a director — was the central relationship between the older couple,” Rose-Langston said. “It’s one of the few shows out there that really shows a deep, lifelong love affair at the end, or in their final chapter of that relationship. There’s so many tender, sweet funny and really touching moments between the two of them.”
Rose-Langston added that even as he ages and sees his parents grow older, the themes of the play resonate even further with him.
Budnick said this play also will resonate with the community with its themes of aging as, according to him, just over a third of Easthampton is over the age of 60. With much of the theater’s support being from the city and regions aging community, Budnick felt this production would really resonate with audiences.
“This is a really wonderful love letter to the folks that support us, in addition to being something that other generations can relate to,” Budnick said. “Everybody’s going to really enjoy this play and that’s what theater’s all about — it moves you, it makes you laugh, makes you think.”
The Williston Theater and innovative set design and lighting add to the immersive experience, enveloping the audience in a peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere. “On Golden Pond” offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the beauty of life’s quiet moments and the importance of connection.
Tickets for the upcoming run of shows are available at easthamptontheater.com. Performances will begin on Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. with shows on March 21 and 22 starting at the same time. Matinee performances will be on Sunday, March 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.
Following the performance of the first matinee on March 16 there will be a talk back featuring Rose-Langston and his stepfather Rabbi Richard Address, founder of an organization called Jewish Sacred Aging.
“I approached him about coming and doing a talk back with us after the matinee and he was thrilled,” Rose-Langston said. “After the first matinee that first Sunday, we’re going to have a talk back with him, me and members of the cast, for people who want to discuss the themes for the show and the experience of the show. And also, his take on what he sees and what resonates for him and his work.”
The lead of Normal and Ether will be played by William Spademan and Patricia Perlman, respectively. Fellow cast members include Kimberly Gaughan, Travis Maider, Shelton Windham and Jaxon Reddy. The full list of the show’s cast and production team can be viewed on the theater’s website.
“Once again, we’ve been so fortunate to be drawing these really talented people from all over the valley. They’re very happy to come to Easthampton and play so I’m thrilled. I’m really, really thrilled,” said Rose-Langston.
Budnick noted that in June, the theater will be doing a production of “Guys and Dolls,” their first musical since opening and he hopes audiences appreciate the multigenerational experience of “On Golden Pond” before another one set for this summer.
