The Harrison Players Inc.
AUDITION INFO: On Golden Pond
The Harrison Players Inc.
INFO: On Golden Pond
WHEN: Wednesday, June 8th & Thursday June,9th @7:30pm
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Bldg, 210 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY 10528
AUDITION DETAIL:
REHEARSALS: Starts Early September
PERFORMS: 4 performances October 21st, 22nd, 23rd.
MORE INFO: www.harrisonplayers.org harrisonsplayers@yahoo.com
SYNOPSIS: ON GOLDEN POND is a classic American comedic drama that’s every bit as touching, warm, and witty today as when it debuted off Broadway in 1978. Retired couple Ethel and Norman Thayer are spending their 48th summer at their vacation home on Golden Pond, in the woods of Maine. Their delightful summer routine–fishing, picking strawberries, enjoying old mementoes, listening to the loons call–is given a bitterly comedic edge by Norman’s unreliable memory and cantankerously morbid statements. When their daughter Chelsea visits for Norman’s 80th birthday, bringing her boyfriend Bill and Bill’s teenage son, Billy Jr., the whole family must come to grips with Norman and Chelsea’s mutual bitterness, while Norman blossoms with his chance to mentor young Billy. The turbulent relationship between father and daughter, the generation gap between young and old, and the difficulties of a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage, all combine in a play that effortlessly illustrates the hilarious, heartbreaking, human moments of which life is made.
BREAKDOWN: 4M 2F
- NORMAN THAYER, Jr: Male (must be able to play 70’s – 80’s)
A retired professor, who describes himself as “older than dirt.” He uses his sharp, disarming wit to mask his fears and frustrations arising out of his failing health and fading memory; loving and vulnerable with Ethel.
- ETHEL THAYER: Female (must be able to play 70’s– 80’s):
A spirited, intelligent, life-loving, nurturing soul and soulmate to Norman, unfazed by his barbs, saddened to watch him decline but determined to enjoy to the fullest the time they have left together.
- CHELSEA THAYER Wayne: Female (must be able to play 40’s – early 50’s)
A bright, capable, divorced woman, still hurting from her regret of not having lived up to Norman’s expectations. She is newly engaged to Bill and a bit trepidatious about step mothering Billy Ray.
- BILLY: Boy (must be able to play teens; aged 13 in play) Bill’s smart-mouthed son who, underneath a cool, tough front is really in need and responds enthusiastically to the love and attention he receives from Ethel and Norman.
- BILL RAY: Male (must be able to play 40’s– 50’s)
Chelsea’s new fiancé. A successful Los Angeles dentist who is initially unnerved by Norman, but ultimately gains his respect by standing his ground.
- CHARLIE MARTIN: Male (must be able to play 40’s – early 50’s)
The local mailman and childhood friend of Chelsea who has always had a crush on her. His laugh is contagious albeit used a little too often. Ability to do a Maine accent is a plus.