Relationships take center stage 'On Golden Pond'

Dave Anderson doesn't think about the shoes he has to fill in portraying leading man Norman Thayer, who struggles with his relationship with his family and coming to terms with getting older.

As a veteran actor, Anderson beat out more than a dozen other men for the part in Carson Valley Community Theatre's production of "On Golden Pond." Henry Fonda played the part of Norman in the 1981 movie, which won him an Oscar for best actor.

"I like the fact that he's a fairly complex character, and the play tells a great story that everybody can relate to about getting older," Anderson said. "It's a touching story."

Director Ann Delahay said rehearsals are going well for Friday's opening night in the CVIC Hall.

"I like the story, and I love the characters," Delahay said. "It's a wonderful play about relationships. I like the humanity of it."

Karen Chandler plays Norman's wife, Ethel. "I hope that I will portray her honestly," Chandler said. "The gift of this play is we all get to look in the mirror of mortality and realize that all we have is now, and honor it."

Catherine Cook, who plays daughter Chelsea Thayer, said her role is interesting because it revolves around a dysfunctional relationship with Norman.

"My father passed away two years ago, and we had a kind, normal relationship. In this relationship, she's always trying to please her father," Cook said. "It's a play about human reactions. It's sincere and honest."

Charlie, the mail carrier for the lake, is played by Mike Trute.

In the play, Charlie has a crush on Chelsea, and even though Trute knows how it ends up, he still roots for him to get the girl.

"Charlie is exactly that, he's a character," Trute said. "He's lived at the lake his entire life. He's a simple guy who enjoys life."

For 14-year-old David Sando, portraying Billy will be his acting debut.

"It's fun. He's a little like me," David said. "He lightens up the mood with the grandparents."

"On Golden Pond" opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the CVIC Hall. Tickets are $20 and include champagne and a dessert reception after the show. Other performances are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Oct. 21 and 22, and 2 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 23. Cost, $15 for general and $12 for students and seniors. Information, (775) 292-0939.