Chit-Chat: Emotions surface ‘On Golden Pond’

Submitted by Renee Tomell on February 8, 2010 - 11:42am

Stepping into the new role of director, theater veteran Robert Plowman is immersed in rehearsals for "On Golden Pond," a show he has felt passionate about bringing to the stage for years. It will be presented by La Grange Repertory Theatre, which he co-founded a year ago.

Making his directorial debut with “On Golden Pond” is Robert Plowman, co-founder of La Grange Repertory Theatre. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Why did you pick this show for your directorial debut?

I love the story. Ever since the movie in the ‘80s, the story has touched me. I ... suggested ‘On Golden Pond’ to the play reading committee (and) we put it into the season lineup.
 
What qualities did you seek in the actors auditioning?
 I was looking for true characters — for someone who was actually an Ethel, Norman and Chelsea. I didn’t want to age somebody to make them somebody they weren’t. I wanted to make sure that what people see could be a true family unit. The auditions happened at the time of the first major snowfall, but I was blessed with the people that did turn out. (For) Dennis Stewart, this is his third time playing Norman; he’s got it down pat. I had the perfect Norman, the perfect Ethel (Dorothy Attermeyer) and the perfect Chelsea (Cheryle McKay). 
 
Describe your directing style.
I consider myself an actor’s director, because I’m an actor. It’s a collaborative effort. I give them the freedom to perfect (their portrayal).
 
Explain the plot to those who don’t know it.
The story is about an elderly couple, one that’s reaching his 80s. The wife is in her 70s. They go to their summer home every year, and Norman is trying to cope with accepting his mortality. They have a daughter, who is estranged. The whole story is pretty much about growing up for everybody, (not just) the teenage boy (played by Cameron Box).
 
What’s the play’s tone?
It has some very funny moments, very funny lines. It’s (about) real life, and we want to make this show realistic — as if you’re peering into somebody’s living room. It’s one of the funniest and most emotional shows I have worked on in a long time. During the read-through, there were a couple tears shed by the actors reading it, by the time we were finished. For some, it hits very close to home.
 
WATCH THE PLAY
 
WHAT “On Golden Pond” is presented by La Grange Repertory Theatre
WHERE Dole Hall at Plymouth Place Senior Living, 315 N. La Grange Road, La Grange Park
WHEN 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 19, 20, 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. Sundays, March 21 and 28
HOW MUCH General admission tickets cost $12, $8 for students and seniors; to reserve tickets, visit www.lagrangerepertorytheatre.com or call (630) 915-6282
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