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
