'Golden' opportunity for BCT season opener

A trip to the lake tests the bonds of family in "On Golden Pond" opening this weekend at Bakersfield Community Theatre.

Director Jan Hefner said the theater board wanted a strong show to open its 97th season, settling on the family drama famously adapted in a 1981 film starring Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda and Katharine Hepburn.

This is Hefner's second time directing this play; the first time was in 1990 for her second directorial effort ever.

Although that production will always have a special place in her heart, she said coming to the material as a 35-year-old she "had no personal experience with the dynamics between people like Norman and Ethel."

She wrote in an email, "I will turn 70 during the run of this production, so now I definitely have experience in aging! Not only the changes in mobility and cognition, but in viewing the triumphs and challenges in different ways. I've also directed many shows in the past 10 years, and I believe I've grown into a better director through practice and more real-life experience."

The play focuses on longtime married couple Norman (Terry Phillips) and Ethel (Cathy Henry) who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year. Nearing 80, the retired professor is dealing with failing memory and heart issues while still trying to enjoy every moment together.

Their divorced, middle-aged daughter Chelsea (Julie Gaines) visits along with her fiance, Bill (Phil Beglin), and his son, Billy Ray (Lilah Antongiovanni). The engaged couple heads to Europe, leaving behind the teenager, who fills a grandchild role for the elderly couple, who Norman takes fishing and recommends books to him.

Of the performers, which also include Rob Lang, Hefner said, "I've been fortunate to attract a talented and wonderful cast to portray these complex characters."

The director said the delightful relationship between Norman and Billy makes for great scenes as well as Norman and Chelsea repairing the father-daughter bond. Hefner highlighted a scene in which Chelsea begins to accept that she can help repair the fractured relationship with her father.

"It comes after a confrontational scene with Ethel," she wrote. "The change in dynamic between Norman and Chelsea is palpable, and a tribute to all of the actors in making that happen."

The play offers an important message about not remaining stuck in your old ways, Hefner said.

"No matter how old you are, you can change your old way of thinking and treatment of others. It takes acceptance of shared responsibility and the strength to try. An effective mediator (Ethel in this play) helps!"

Along with the cast, Hefner praised her "Golden" crew, including set designer Roger Upton.

"He's been a dear friend for nearly 50 years, and he reached out to me shortly after we announced the show, offering to design and dress the set. He's well-known in the theatre community for his costumes, but he's also a gifted set designer.

"He told me early on that he was 'going all out' on the set, and he truly did! The set has become another character in the show, which is totally fitting."

Complementing the set is lighting design by Stephen Overstreet, with lights reflecting the lakeside location of the house.