Purple Rose Theatre Closes 2012 Season With Ernest Thompson's 'On Golden Pond'

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by the Purple Rose Theatre Company.

CHELSEA — The Purple Rose Theatre Company wraps up its 2011-2012 season with On Golden Pond, by Ernest Thompson. The production will enjoy an 11-week engagement June 21-Sept. 1.

On Golden Pond is a charming love story that follows Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their summer home in Maine. Their respite is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of their estranged daughter, her fiancé, and his teenage son. Over the course of the summer, an unlikely friendship develops between Norman and the boy, which sparks a renewed zest for life in the Thayer family. In the twilight years of marriage, Ethel and Norman rediscover the joy and romance of every day living.

The production will be directed by Purple Rose resident artist Michelle Mountain. The cast will feature John Peakes, founding director of the BoarsHead Theater in Lansing, as Norman, and Jan Radcliff pf Farmington Hills as Ethel.

Other cast members include David Daoust of Lansing, Rhiannon Ragland of Flint, and Tom Whalen of Royal Oak. Ian Bejster of Dexter, and Milo Tucker-Meyer of Ann Arbor will share the role of  Billy Ray Wayne.

Eight low-priced previews of On Golden Pond will be performed on June 21-28, with opening night set for June 29. Regular performances for the duration of the run are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There will be additional 3 p.m. Thursday matinees on July 5, July 12, July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23.

All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St. in Chelsea.