Director's Note
When I first read On Golden Pond, I knew I wanted to direct this beautiful story. What I didn't anticipate was how much more I would grow to love it. It became a very personal journey for me, and a story I truly wanted to tell.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 7 million people in the US alone are living with Alzheimer's, about 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older. And that's just Alzheimer's. There are multiple types of dementia, Alzheimer's being the most common form. Not only does dementia horrifically affect those diagnosed, but it also damages their loved ones and friends, something I believe this play exposes so well. Watching someone you love begin to slip away, to forget things and people that they've known practically all their lives, to behave in ways that they never would have before, say things that never would have occurred to them much less be spoken aloud, is absolutely devastating. To witness the fear and anger as someone is losing themselves is heartbreaking.
It's very likely several of you in the audience have been touched by dementia in some way, whether a family member, co worker or friend. To the caregivers, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the work you do. To the loved ones, you're not alone. To those suffering, I wish you peace and love. To the researchers trying to stop this and other awful diseases, thank you. And thank you to the audience for coming to visit with the Thayer's on their beloved Golden Pond. Welcome!
A special thank you to:
Columbia Street Baptist Church
for the wonderful theatre space
Ten BucksTheatre for the use of their lights
Lougee & Frederick's
for the beautiful plants
On Golden Pond
by Ernest Thompson
This poignant play is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who have returned to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th straight year. He is a retired professor, nearing 80, with heart palpitations and a failing memory – but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel, ten years younger and the perfect foil for Norman, delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé, who then go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind for the summer.
The boy quickly becomes the “grandchild” the elderly couple have longed for. As Norman revels in taking his new charge fishing and thrusting good books at him, he also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness – and slang – in return. In the final, deeply moving moments of the play, Norman and Ethel are brought even closer together by a mild heart attack. Time, they know, is now against them, but the years have been good and, perhaps, another summer on Golden Pond still awaits.
Cast
Norman Thayer Jr.........................Randall Simons
Ethel Thayer..................................Robyn Lynnelle Baker
Charlie Martin................................Paul Collins
Chelsea Thayer Wayne.................Ashleigh Dunham
Billy Ray.........................................Nicholas Armbruster
Bill Ray...........................................Josh Harrison
Production Staff
Director..........................................Tracy Green
Assistant Director.........................Carolina Vargas Espinosa
Producer........................................Doreen Moody
Stage Manager...............................Nancy Dymond
Backstage Crew............................Ty Harrison and DJ
Props and Set................................Cast, Crew and Media Team
Media Team....................................Carolina Vargas Espinosa, Melissa Egolf, Mary Norment
Lights and Sound..........................Kearns and Dan Bickford
Costumes.......................................Amnity Olmstead and Balenda Ganem
Light and Sound Consultant........A.J. Amero
Fight/Intimacy Coordinator..........Angela Bonacasa
Web Program.................................Mary Norment
Partner in helping the Bangor Community Theatre help the community
This season, BCT is proud to dedicate our fundraising efforts to the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Just as theatre brings stories to life and preserves memories, the Alzheimer’s Association works to protect the memories that matter most—through research, support, and care for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias across Maine.
If you’re able, please consider making a donation when attending our show or by clicking on the Alzheimer's logo. Your support helps bring hope, care, and progress to countless families in our community.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact—on and off the stage.
Meet the Cast
Norman Thayer Jr.
Randall Simons
Randall is thrilled to be returning to BCT, sharing the stage with this delightfully talented cast under the astute direction of Tracy Green (his fourth production with her!) He has performed in numerous shows at New Surry Theatre,The Bagaduce Theatre,The Grand, and others including: Misery, (Paul Sheldon); A Body Of Water, (Moss); Fun Home, (Bruce); The Browning Version, (Crocker-Harris); Sylvia, (Greg); Papermaker, (Henry McCoy); Laura, (Waldo Lydecker); The Laramie Project, (Multiple Roles); The Humans, (Eric); The Importance of Being Ernest, (Rev. Canon Chasuble); The Cherry Orchard, (Firs). Randall is thankful for all those who gave of their time and talents to make this show possible and his family of friends–especially Peter who has always been a true source of support and encouragement. Resist!
Ethel Thayer
Robyn Lynnelle Baker
Robyn is thrilled to be making her Bangor Community Theatre debut. Robyn is no stranger to the stage, however, having been seen in various plays, musicals, and operas. Some favorite roles include (Blanche) in Andre Previn's opera A Streetcar Named Desire, (Titania) in A Midsummer Night's Dream, (Melissa) in Love Letters, (Truvy) in Steel Magnolias, (Mrs. Gobineau) in The Medium, (Musetta) in scenes from La Boheme, (Lady Sophy) in Utopia Limited, (Fruma-Sarah) in Fiddler on the Roof, (Cousin Hebe) in H.M.S Pinafore, and (Dame Hannah) in Ruddigore. She would like to thank Tracy for this wonderful opportunity, her family and friends for all their love and support, Mary Ann Perry for her assistance with the song, and Josh Harrison for believing in her and encouraging her to audition.
Charlie Martin
Paul Collins
Paul lives in Winterport and recently joined the Bangor Community Theatre Board. With BCT, he played Alan Ladd in Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm and several characters in the Second honeymoon. Paul grew up in Michigan and moved to Maine in 2021.
Chelsea Thayer Wayne
Ashleigh Dunham
Ashleigh has been passionate about theatre from a young age, growing up participating in numerous productions with various community theatre companies. Her early experiences on stage fostered a love for the performing arts that led her to pursue formal education at Wheaton College, MA. There, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, specializing in Acting and Directing. Additionally, she studied at the London Dramatic Academy. This is Ashleigh's 3rd show with Bangor Community Theatre. Ashleigh is thrilled to contribute to the theatre's upcoming season, and is eager to continue supporting and enhancing the local theatre community.
Billy Ray
Nicholas Armbruster
Nicholas is 13 years old and excited to working with Bangor Community Theatre. Though he has worked off stage on things such as lighting, this will be his on-stage debut.
Bill Ray
Josh Harrison
Josh Harrison (Bill Ray) last worked with BCT all the way back in the year2000 in Oklahoma! and is thrilled to be on the stage with them again. He has more recently worked with True North Theater (Life Sucks,Cosmogenesis), Ten Bucks Theater (Scary Stories), and Penobscot Theater(Understudy in Dial M for Murder). He has also narrated two audiobooks,and appeared as a regular cast member on the $rst season of the Novel Games podcast. (He/They)
Director
Tracy Green
Tracy was in her first play in her hometown of Chattanooga, TN in 8th grade and never looked back. She first was on stage with Bangor Community Theatre as Mama in I Remember Mama, then directed Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm and Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine, then was on stage again as Melissa in Love Letters. Tracy has also worked with several other local theatre companies such as Ten Bucks Theatre both on and off stage, and both acted and directed for several years in the 24 Hour New Play Festival. At The Grand in Ellsworth she enjoyed many roles on stage and in Steel Magnolias, made her directorial debut. She did her very first zoom play during covid with New Surry Theatre as Deirdre in The Humans and hopes to work with them again sometime in person! Tracy wishes to thank her family for supporting her love of theatre and the time it takes. A big thank you, too, to Doreen, Nancy, Carolina, Amity and Kearns for their support, encouragement and effort putting this show together. And most of all, thank you to this beautifully talented cast for being so open and fearless. I've loved working with you all and hope to do so again soon!
Producer
Doreen Moody
Doreen has been with BCT for over 15 years and has enjoyed every minute! First as an actress, then a Board Member, and on to a Producer, Director, Vice-President, President, and currently the Immediate Past-President. A few of her favorite acting roles have been in Harvey, Moon Over Buffalo, I Remember Mama, and Enchanted April. She has also acted in other Theatre companies, two movies, and will soon be filming on the coast for a possible series.
Assistant Director
Carolina Vargas Espinosa
Originally from Colombia, Carolina moved to the US in 2016 for graduate school, where she completed a PhD in Agricultural Economics. She has been active in theater since she was six, participating extensively in school plays and later in an independent theater group. Among her favorite roles was playing Mama Morton in her high school production of "Chicago," a performance that remains a highlight of her early acting career. In 2022, Carolina appeared in BCT's production of "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," portraying Aurelia Randall, Rebecca's mother. More recently she played several characters in BCT's Second Honeymoon. She is excited to be a part of thi beautiful show.
Stage Manager
Nancy E. Dymond
Nancy is a native of Bangor. Nancy has performed in musicals and plays with local community theaters for 30+ years. She has been on the board of BCT a number of times, and is currently serving as a member at large. Nancy is a retired teacher who's keeping very busy! Enjoy the show!