By Sara Strong
Local talent takes the stage of Luverne’s Palace Theatre this weekend as Green Earth Players bring the classic drama, "On Golden Pond," to Rock County.
"On Golden Pond" is a play by Ernest Thompson made famous by the 1981 movie starring Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, who won best actress and best actor Oscars for their roles.
The local version stars Bert Weis and Fran Bohlke under the direction of Paula Herrig and assistant director April Gangestad. Other cast members are Jim Harsma, Colette Hansen, Dan Stensland-Bos and Bruce Baartman.
On Golden Pond opens Friday, but also plays next weekend.
Director Paula Herrig, Slayton, said, "The actors have put in so many hours of hard work, both at rehearsal and on their own. They’ve been really dedicated."
The play is about time a family shares one summer at their lake cabin in Maine. The relationships are strained in certain ways, and a new guest spends time with the family. Herrig said the play would be appropriate for young adults and older, considering some language and content.
Even though the drama, with a bit of comedy, is famous, Herrig said it hasn’t been difficult for her to direct.
"I’ve never actually seen the movie and that made it easier for me to just follow the script," she said.
Other contributions to the play come from Gangestad as stage manager, Linda Dummer and Cheryl Nath with props, Terri Ebert with makeup and hair and Harsma with sets. Dianne Ossenfort and Fred Manfred are producers.
Dialogue samples
from ‘On Golden Pond’
Ethel: "They're a nice middle-aged couple, just like us."
Norman: "If they're just like us, they're not middle-aged."
Ethel: "Of course they are."
Norman: "Middle age means the middle, Ethel. Middle of life. People don't live to be a hundred and fifty."
ooo
Chelsea: "It's just … it seems that you and me have been mad at each other for so long."
Norman: "I didn't know we were mad. I thought we just didn't like each other."
To attend the play
Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 in Luverne’s historic Palace Theatre. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Carnegie Cultural Center, 205 N. Freeman, Luverne. Carnegie hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 283-8294 or 283-2765.
