Thursday, September 21, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Page 7
‘On Golden Pond’ kicks of f 89th season at The Stagecrafters theater
T
he Stagecrafters theater in Chestnut Hill begins its 89th season of standout plays with the production of the moving, tender, and funny “On Golden Pond.” The action centers on an older couple, Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are spending their 48th summer at their Maine home on a lake called Golden Pond. An unexpected visit from their daughter Chelsea, with her new fiancé and his son from a prior marriage, sets the stage for turbulent confrontation between father and daughter, fueled by long-buried memories. This is a poignant and perceptive story of a family coming to terms with their past, life, and legacy. Production reviews reflect high critical and popular acclaim: “… a work of rare simplicity and beauty, … [the author] a fresh new voice.” – (New York Daily News); “… a rare and memorable theatrical experience …” – (Variety). Ernest Thompson (b. 1949) has enjoyed a long career as a playwright, actor, lyricist, and screenwriter for film and television. His most well-known plays are “On Golden Pond” and “The West Side Waltz.” On “Golden Pond” opened Off Off Broadway in 1978, then moved to Broadway, where it ran for close to 400 performances. It was nominated for several Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding New Play. The film
LEARN BALLROOM DANCING: Debbie Klinger, who has been teaching dance throughout the Delaware Valley for many years, will be teaching three courses in ballroom dancing, seven weekly sessions each, starting on Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 p.m., respectively, for Mt. Airy Learning Tree at Summit Presbyterian Church, Greene and Westview Streets in Mt. Airy. More information: 215-843-6333.
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version, released in 1981, with Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda in the leading roles, garnered many awards, including that of Best Adapted Screenplay for Thompson. A live television adaptation was aired in 2001, featuring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The 2005 revival on Broadway featured as its leads James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams. On Golden Pond was previously presented by The Stagecrafters in 1983. Performance dates are Sep. 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 at 8 p.m., Sep. 17, 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for $21 online (no service charge), $25 at the door. (Thursday and Friday. evening performances 2-for-$32 online, 2-for-$35 At-door). Students with valid ID $15 at the door. Groups of 15 or more are offered a reduced rate of $15 a ticket, paid in advance. Subscriptions are still available for the entire season, at $75 each, and may be purchased online, or at the box office when attending a show in the current production. The box office opens 45 minutes before each performance. For information call 215-247-8881; for reservationsdirect call 215-247-9913. The theater is located in the heart of Chestnut Hill at 8130 Germantown
Poster for “The Miser,” opening at Stagecrafters on Nov. 24.
Ave. Visit website for details: www.thestagecrafters.org. Next for Stagecrafters is Molière's classic comedy, “The Miser,” which opens at The Stagecrafters on November 24 and continues to December 10. Full of hilarious twists and turns, this immortal classic is brought to life in an uproarious new translation by David Chambers. “The Miser,” Harpagon, suspecting that everyone is out to steal his money, will go to any lengths to thwart everyone including his children. First performed in 1668, “The Miser” continues to delight audiences with its comedy and universal truths about human nature. The cast of The Miser in The Stagecrafters' production has a wide range of theatrical experience. Lenny Grossman, playing the lead role of Harpagon,studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Jen Allegra, playing Frosine the Matchmaker, holds a BA degree in Theater from George Washington University and has played roles in ten productions at The Stagecrafters. The show is directed by Barbara Mills. See http://www.thestagecrafters.org/themiser/ for show times.