Tale of golden years funnier than you’d think

“On Golden Pond,” Aug. 27-28, Sept. 3-4, 8 p.m. and Aug. 29, Sept. 5, 3 p.m., The Grove Theatre (5177 Nuangola Road, Nuangola). Tickets: $18. Info: 570.208.7679

Summer memories, like a box full of postcards or an album full of snapshots, capture life’s happiest moments. But what happens when the glossy finish begins to peel away? What goes on behind the smiles when the camera isn’t snapping away? What happens when these memories start to fade? Masque Productions doesn’t claim to know, but it’s promising a delightful summer getaway as they search for some answers in Ernest Thompson’s heartwarming comedy “On Golden Pond” under the direction of Masque co-founder Christa Manning-Dupper.

“On Golden Pond” tells the tale of curmudgeon Norman Thayer (Dorrance Daniels) and his wife Ethel (Louise Stuart). The couple has enjoyed more than 40 years at their vacation home in Maine. Though Norman’s health and memory are beginning to fade, the retired college professor still loves to toy with those around him. His slightly younger wife provides the perfect balance to her sharp-tongued spouse, reveling in the simple joys of their life together. The couple’s summer is complicated by a visit from their estranged daughter, Chelsea (Manning-Dupper), her new fiance (Paul Winarski) and his teenage son (Will Colacito). While the young couple jets off to Europe, the Thayers are left enjoying their grandson-to-be, but wondering if this may be their last summer together at Golden Pond.

“On Golden Pond” opened off-off-Broadway in 1978. The comedy moved to Broadway in February of 1979, running for 126 performances. It was revived in September of 1979 and again in April of 2005. Still, most people probably know the Thayers courtesy of the movie released in 1982 starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. The script was adapted by the playwright and the movie went on to grab 10 Academy Award nominations and seven statues. Though Manning-Dupper is a fan of the movie, the silver screen version gives people the misconception that the play is a heavy, maudlin drama. According to the director, nothing could be further from the truth.

“It is so much funnier than I ever thought it was,” Manning-Dupper says. “When we did the read-through and Mr. Dorrance Daniels started reading, I was splitting my gut laughing. It’s not sappy at all. It’s so funny, and it’s so well-written.”

Manning-Dupper has been pushing to bring “On Golden Pond” to the stage for years, but in doing so, Masque was concerned about other common misconceptions: That this is a show just for senior citizens, that it’s the live equivalent of a chick flick. Once again, the director is quick to set the record straight.

“Yes, it’s about older people, but it’s about relationships and the humor that can be found there and the caring that can be found there,” she says. “The underlying relationship is beautiful. We can all relate to every character. There’s something we can all laugh at.”

And in the end, the “On Golden Pond” leaves audience members of all ages with a powerful message.

“Whatever you’re going through, other people are going through it, too,” Manning-Dupper says. “There is a way to work through it.”

From a theatrical standpoint, Manning-Dupper and the cast have had quite a bit to work through during the rehearsal process. The Masque bunch has had just about three weeks to bring “On Golden Pond” to the stage. Initially, she was worried about finding a cast who could work so quickly. But those fears were soon put to rest. Of the six cast members, including Jay Lefkoski as Charlie in addition to those mentioned above, three have worked on previous productions of “On Golden Pond.” Those who haven’t are also seasoned actors, and all are bringing their A game.

“The cast is awesome,” Manning-Dupper enthuses. “Everybody gets along so well. Everybody’s attitude and work ethic has been amazing.”

In addition to the top-notch cast, Manning-Dupper has been getting a hand from Assistant Director Greg Korin. His work has been invaluable, particularly when Manning-Dupper is onstage in the role of Chelsea.

“I’ve got Greg to be the eyes when I’m not,” she explains. “Whatever I’m not catching, he’s going to catch, without fail.”

And there have been no battle of wills between the two seasoned theater vets.

“It’s been as easy as easy can be,” says Manning-Dupper with a laugh. “I know when to back off, Greg knows when to back off, and we both have our strengths, so it’s worked out really well.”

Once Manning-Dupper has said “Goodbye” to the Thayers, she’s on the run with other productions. Her hands are full with KISS Theatre Company’s productions of “Sleeping Beauty” and “Aladdin” for the area’s youngest stars. Then it’s time for a little grown-up silliness with “The Producers” at Little Theatre. Finally, Masque is wrapping up their season at The Grove with the swinging sixties musical “Shout” under the direction of Walter Mitchell.

For now, though, Manning-Dupper is busy enjoying her time “On Golden Pond” and is counting on area theater fans to share in the love, and especially, the laughs.

“Come see it. Come in with an open mind. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

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