Starlight Dinner Theatre season closes with the beloved ON GOLDEN POND
On Golden Pond has been produced in more than 40 countries in 30 languages. It will be directed by Starlight founder, Linda Granger, and presented April 26, 27 and May 4, 5 & 6, 2019.
This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer who are returning to their beloved cottage on Golden Pond for their 48th summer together. Norman (Martin Underhill) is a retired professor, nearing eighty, with heart palpitations and a failing memory—but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel (Laura Stebbins), the planner and giver, is the perfect foil for Norman, who delights in all the small things that have enriched their long life together. Norman contemplates impending death while Ethel changes the subject at every opportunity.
Their divorced, middle-aged daughter Chelsea (Lisa Castle) arrives for Norman’s birthday after an eight year absence from the family. Chelsea feels that she never lived up to Norman’s expectations, which caused a lifetime of strained feelings between them. Chelsea’s boyfriend, Bill’s (David South) attempt at a serious conversation shows Norman’s sharp tongue and acerbic wit to perfection.
Chelsea and Bill go off to Europe, having arranged with Ethel’s help to leave Bill’s teenage son, Billy (Phineas Reed) behind for the summer. This whips Norman’s life into a completely new set of circumstances and the boy quickly becomes the "grandchild" the elderly couple have longed for. Norman revels in taking his ward fishing and thrusting good books at him.
The author has crafted very strong characters, each with their own identity. They orbit around Norman and affect him in a way that we can all relate to, whether it is good, bad, uncomfortable, awkward, loving, or mischievous. It makes for a riveting drama broken up with plenty of humor. Much of that humor is provided by Bobby Maldonado as Charlie, the local mailman, who has had a crush on Chelsea since they were young.
As the summer wanes, so does their idyllic visit to Golden Pond, as they are brought even closer during some deeply moving moments in the play. Time, they know, is now against them, but the years have been good, and perhaps another summer on Golden Pond still awaits.
THIS SHOW IS RATED PG
Menu: Cheese and crackers, Ground beef mixed with rice, topped with Grilled Chicken, mixed vegetables, roll and butter, tossed salad with dressing, cheesecake dessert, Coffee, Tea, Water. Vegetarian entrées available upon request. Sunday desserts are usually two mini-layered cakes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dates: April 26, 27, May 3, 4 & 5, 2019
TIMES: Friday and Saturday: Lobby Box office opens at 6 pm. Dining Room opens at 6:30 pm.
Dinner 6:30 – 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. BUFFET CLOSES AT 7 pm. Show begins at 7:30 pm.
Dessert Sunday matinee: Lobby Box office opens at 1:00 pm, Desserts are served at 1:30 pm. Show begins at 2 pm.
MAILING ADDRESS: 225 Leland Place, Lansing, MI 48917
PERFORMANCE LOCATION: Waverly East Cafetorium, located at 3131 W. Michigan Ave. Lansing, 48917.
RESERVATIONS: Dinner and Dessert reservations are required 3 days before the show. Please call 517 599-2779 or order through our website at www.starlightdinnertheatre.com
SEATING: Tables seat 8 people per table. The earlier the reservation is made, the better the seating
PRICES: Dinner Regular $36. Seniors (62+) and Students (13-22) $33. THIS SHOW IS RATED PG
SHOW ONLY: Regular $15. Seniors (62+) and Students (13-22) $14.
VISA and Master Card accepted
HEARING ASSISTED DEVICES are available and must be requested when making your reservation
CANCELLATION: 72 hour notice required by phone (517.599.2779) to receive a refund.