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ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Signs of dementia, along with a complicated relationship with his daughter make an annual trip to a summer home in Maine bittersweet for Norman Thayer.<\/p>\n
Just like the film version, the play \u201cOn Golden Pond\u201d blends heartbreak with humor.<\/p>\n
David Walton plays Norman.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, it\u2019s really a family story. Awful lot of humor in it, because often grumpy old men are funny, especially when you have a wife who\u2019s trying to run interference with everything. But I think you\u2019re going to see a family story with an awful lot of heart and a lot of hope, too,\u201d says Walton.<\/p>\n
The classic story will unfold, beginning Friday night, November 7 at The Bear Theatre in downtown Roanoke. <\/p>\n
Vickie Haynie takes on the role of Norman\u2019s wife, Ethel. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s happy with life and she wants to much for her husband to be happy, and she\u2019s beginning to understand that, um, there\u2019s some trouble here,\u201d says Haynie.<\/p>\n
Both Haynie and Walton praised Bear Theatre for providing older, more mature performers an opportunity to shine on stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of plays are for young folks, and they\u2019re driven by young folks. This play centers around two senior characters. And man, do we have the lines to prove it,\u201d says Walton.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone has been so welcoming and patient with the little old lady here. So, it\u2019s been a great, great experience for me, something I will always remember,\u201d says Haynie.<\/p>\n