La Grange Repertory Theatre

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?

W.C. Fields warned actors to never work with children or animals. That axiom doesn’t bother the La Grange Repertory Theatre, which has plenty of children and one dog in its next production, “Cheaper by the Dozen,” the last show of the troupe’s first season. It will be performed in Dole Hall at Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, with curtain at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays, July 24 to 26 and July 31 to Aug. 2.

The play “Cheaper by the Dozen” is based on the true story written by two of the Gilbreth clan, Frank Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. Even though the story takes place in the 1920s, it is evident not much has changed — amid worries over the children’s focus on school, boyfriends and a challenging economy. Unlike the recent film, the story takes a bittersweet turn.

The Gilbreth family comes to life in the La Grange Repertory Theatre production of “Cheaper by the Dozen,” set in the 1920s. SUBMITTED PHOTO