"On Golden Pond"

It's all about family. Soon after spirited and lovable 70+ Norman and his wife, Ethel, return to their summer home they are "saddled" with the 13 year old son of a fellow who might marry their daughter. So what can you do with a city kid? Go fishing, of course. This is not a saccharine love story, but it is a story about love, one you will enjoy and remember.

Author’s Note

 When On Golden Pond opened off-off Broadway, Tennessee Williams was in attendance.  He said he loved the play but wished the characters didn’t have to leave at the end.  “Let them stay the winter.”  I said personally I thought they’d freeze to death by January and Charlie the mailman would find their bodies in the spring, but I was thrilled to be getting notes from my idol.  I write shorter plays these days and On Golden Pond would probably end in August if I were starting over, because I have one hard and fast rule as a playwright; keep the audience awake.  As an audience member, I have a rule, too; the only thing I find more unbearable than being bored in the theatre is to be bored by something I wrote.  Enjoy your time on the lake.

-Ernest Thompson

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

 MARY MARK FITZPATRICK – Twenty years ago, Mary was in FWP’s Chapter Two, as Jenny, in Taming of the Shrew, as Kate, in Pygmalion as Eliza, in The School for Scandal as Lady Teazle and Wait Until Dark as Susie.   She moved to the Boston area where she directed and acted in numerous community and professional theatres.  Recently, she played the nurse in Romeo & Juliet (Stage Agenda) and Madame Arcadi in Blythe Spirit (TSPAC).   She has taught in The Suncoast Theatre Alliance Summer Workshops held here at FWP; training local actors on “Nailing Your Character”. She’s grateful to FWP for giving her the chance to direct this wonderful play with this FABULOUS cast.

 THE CAST
(in alphabetical order)

KAT CHRISTIE (Chelsea) - Kat is a Florida transplant from Chicago.  This is her first show at FWP, and “it is great fun!”  Thanks to my husband, Henry for his patience.

 
ALEX FLAMENT (Billy) – Alex is 15, and a sophomore at countryside H.S.  He has performed there in productions of The Crucible and Grease and hopes to make theatre his profession.  In his spare time, he enjoys videogames, singing and dancing.  This is his first appearance at FWP, and his first lead.

CHRIS FLAMENT (Bill) – This is Chris’ theatrical debut and he is very excited about working with such a professional cast.  He is especially proud to act alongside his talented son.

 

RAY KENNEY (Norman) – “I would like to thank the countless actors, directors, backstage crews and technical & design staff for the support and friendship they have given me for the past 21 years.  I thank my wife Judy, for her patience and her hours spent alone while I have rehearsed and performed.  I dedicate my performance to her.”

 STEPHEN KEYES (Charlie) – Steve last appeared at FWP in Play it Again Sam.  An experienced performer and director Steve has performed and directed numerous productions including several at the Early Bird Dinner Theatre.  He is a past member of the Michigan based Suit Case Theatre Company touring the U.S. and Europe extensively. “It’s great to be back here once again; especially working with such a great cast!”

NONIE WHITE (Ethel) – Nonie is an award winning actress with extensive credits in theatre, film and commercials.  Her favorite roles include leads in Witness for the Prosecution (FWP), Noises Off (SPLT) and A Streetcar Named Desire (EOT).  Nonie is the talented director of FWP’s December production, Last of the Red Hot Lovers.  She is honored to have this opportunity to work with such wonderful, talented people.  Special thanks and love to Kenny!

ANGIE SMITH (Stage Manager) – “I have had the pleasure of working on several productions at FWP, my last being, Monky Business.  I send a special thank you to Ray Kenney for asking me to be a part of such a talented group of people and to be involved in his last performance at FWP.  Ray, you will truly be missed.  Also a special thanks to my best friend and soul-mate, my husband, Jim.”

Production Staff

                  Director.....................................Mary Fitzpatrick
                  Stage Manager..............................Angie Smith
                  Costumes................................Scottie Michaels
                  Lighting Design........................James Grenelle
                  Lighting & Sound......................Dianna Hanger
                  Box Office.....................................Sharon Price