Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County season opens with ‘On Golden Pond’
Clare Cannizzaro, front left, Simon Cannizzaro, Scott Cooley, Mark Hilan, Elizabeth Thomakos; back row, Nancy Dawson and Chester Boffo.
Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County will open its 2024-25 season with the comedic love story, “On Golden Pond.” Directed by Kathy Blair Bergstrom, the show will run Fridays through Sundays, Sept. 27-29, Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Bergstrom said she chose the play because she loves to direct love stories that deal with real emotions.
“This story examines all kinds of different relationships,” she said, “mother/daughter, father/daughter, husband and wife, and potential step-parent and child. Coincidentally, a real mother and son combination, Clare and Simon Cannizzaro, are playing the latter. Both have been on the Little Theatre stage before, but this is Simon’s first major role.
“We think the set will be impressive. It is an elaborate reconstruction of a Maine cabin. The construction crew took my design and built a unique setting. We particularly appreciate the efforts of well-known Dover artist Peggy Sibila, who painted the beautiful outdoor backdrop.”
Bergstrom said this is the fourth version by playwright Ernest Thompson. “It has been a play, a movie, a musical and now another play,” she said.
The story revolves around an older couple who has spent the last 48 summers on Golden Pond. The husband is now beginning to show signs of dementia, and his wife is becoming his caregiver. They both experience a revival when they spend time with a pseudo grandson.
“It’s a great family show with many poignant moments mixed in with comedy,” Bergstrom said.
The play was last seen on the Little Theatre stage about 30 years ago. Audiences will remember the 1981 film that starred Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Doug McKeon, Dabney Coleman and William Lanteau.
Cast members of the play include Mark Hilan as husband Norman Thayer Jr., Elizabeth Thomakos as Ethel Thayer, Chester Boffo as Charlie Martin, Clare Cannizzaro as Chelsea Thayer Wayne, Simon Cannizzaro as Billy Ray, Scott Cooley as Bill Ray and Nancy Dawson as the telephone operator.
Those serving behind the scenes are Rex Huffman, assistant director; Kathy Cummings, stage manager; Kathy Bergstrom, set design; Bob Bergstrom, Joe Compton and Matt Spies, set construction; Jane Dietrick and Michele Davis, set dressing; Kathy Bergstrom, costumes; Joe Compton, lighting design; Tom Albury, lighting technician; Ryan Flaherty and Seth Rhodes, spotlight; Kathy Bergstrom, sound design; Chelsea Rhodes, sound operator; and April Bonvechio, producer.
Tickets are on sale at the Kent State University Performing Arts Center Box Office by calling 330-308-6400, at the Little Theatre Box Office by calling 330-343-4012 and at the door before each show. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children and students. Ask about a military discount. The show is sponsored by Tusco MFG, Levco Striping and Carol Harmon.
Little Theatre is located at 466 Carrie Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.