The Purple Rose Theatre Company presents “On Golden Pond.” The production is directed by Michelle Mountain. Hailed as an American classic, the drama was written by Ernest Thompson. This is the last weekend for the show. Performances run through Sept. 1. The image is by Sean Carter Photography.
This charming love story follows Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their summer home in Maine. Their respite is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of their estranged daughter, her fiancé, and his teenage son. Over the course of the summer, an unlikely friendship develops between Norman and the boy, which sparks a renewed zest for life in the Thayer family. In the twilight years of marriage, Ethel and Norman rediscover the joy and romance of every day living.
Encore Michigan reviews the production:
BoarsHead Theater co-founder John Peakes to make Purple Rose debut
CHELSEA — Longtime fans of Michigan professional theater have a reason to celebrate this summer! John Peakes, co-founder of Lansing’s BoarsHead Theater, is returning to Michigan to star in the Purple Rose Theatre Company’s much-anticipated production of “On Golden Pond.”
Peakes spent the majority of his professional acting and directing career in Lansing, where he was the founding artistic director of the BoarsHead Theater from 1966-2003. During his more than 50 years in the industry, he has acted in over 200 productions, directed over 150 plays and musicals, and established a reputation as one of the most respected theater professionals in the state. In 2003, he moved with his family to the Philadelphia area where he currently works and resides. He will return to Michigan in early summer to tackle the role made famous by Henry Fonda: the curmudgeonly and lovable Norman Thayer in Ernest Thompson’s “On Golden Pond.”
A much-loved American play, “On Golden Pond” is a charming love story that follows Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their summer home in Maine. Their respite is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of their estranged daughter, her fiance, and his teenage son. Over the course of the summer, an unlikely friendship develops between Norman and the boy, which sparks a renewed zest for life in the Thayer family. In the twilight years of marriage, Ethel and Norman rediscover the joy and romance of every day living.
Due to other commitments, Peakes will only be in the production June 21 through Aug. 5. After that date, the role will be taken over by Chicago actor Richard Henzel (“Heroes,” Stormfield Theatre), who will finish the run, which ends Sept. 1.
The production will be directed by PRTC resident artist Michelle Mountain. The cast will also feature Jan Radcliff as Ethel. Other cast members include David Daoust, Rhiannon Ragland, and Tom Whalen. Ian Bejster and Milo Tucker-Meyer will share the role of the precocious Billy Ray Wayne.
Regular performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.. There will be additional 3 p.m. Thursday matinees on select dates in July and August.
Exclusive underwriting support for this production comes from The Helppie Family Charitable Foundation. Additional support is provided by media partners WJR and Michigan Radio, and lead season sponsor, The Ford Motor Company Fund.
All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118. The production will be directed by PRTC resident artist Michelle Mountain.
Tickets will go on sale for “On Golden Pond” at 10 a.m. May 14. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at 734-433-7673. Box Office hours are Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday noon – 10 p.m., and Sunday noon – 4 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.purplerosetheatre.org.
About The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a leading American theater dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theater professionals. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theater operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association. The PRTC promotes the development of new American theater and its practitioners, provides valuable educational opportunities for young artists, and, through consistently high quality production values, has earned the respect of local and national theater communities.