Experience a new ‘On Golden Pond’ at WRLT

It has been more than 30 years since Warner Robins Little Theatre has done “On Golden Pond,” and a lot has changed.

Since it originally started in 1978, the play has been revised several times since the initial performance.

“You’re going to be seeing it again for the first time,” said director Fred Hardin.

Hardin chose the play to be able to give the mature actors and actresses something to star in.

The play centers on an older couple who have been vacationing each summer at Golden Pond.

Norman Thayer Jr., played by Terry Minyard, is in the first stages of Alzheimer’s.

“I didn’t think I could play an 80-year-old guy,” Minyard said, although he is acting with a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder, six stitches and was hit on the head with a broom during rehearsals, so it sounds like he’s almost in full character.

Thayer’s wife, Ethel Thayer, is played by Cheryl Taylor. Taylor said the role was challenging because she normally plays comic characters.

Playing a part that actress Katherine Hepburn played in the film is also daunting, she said.

Newcomer to the stage is Ethan May, who plays the part of Billy Ray.

“It has been a great experience to work with all these other actors, and I could learn a lot,” the 13-year-old said.

May’s dream role is to play the title character in the television series, “Doctor Who.”

On the opposite side of the performance scale is Bill Felton, who plays the part of Charlie Martin. Felton has been performing in shows for almost 30 years.

The other two characters in the show are Chelsea Thayer Wayne, who is played by Mary Greene, and Bill Ray, played by Jim Franz.

“I’m very lucky,” Hardin said of his cast members.

His cast and crew feels the same about their director, and most said it was for a chance at being directed by Hardin that they auditioned.

What draws people to the play, Hardin said, is that it mirrors real life.

Thayer Jr. is a cranky 80-year-old man who has many prejudices. He and his daughter Chelsea are at odds with each other due to an old conflict.

“The thing I like is that it’s very real. He seems like everybody’s grandpa and you just can’t help but love him,” Franz said.

Ethel’s endearment for her husband is to call him a “poop.”

Norman has an obsession with dying as he nears the end of his life.

“You’re old and I’m ancient,” he tells his wife.

This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 1:50 PM with the headline "Experience a new ‘On Golden Pond’ at WRLT."