The next production in the season lineup for Gilbert Theater is On Golden Pond, a tale of an aging couple in their forty-eighth year at their summer house. This summer will prove to be unlike any other, with a visit from their daughter, a new teenage grandchild inherited through the daughter's new marriage, and the lessons they all learn living together over the course of those few blissful months.
Opening night is Friday, March 20, and the show is every weekend, with the last show on April 5. Tickets can be purchased at the Gilbert Theater box office located at 116 Green Street or online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1236960.
This season’s lineup has been incredible, packed with shows that have made theater-goers laugh, cry and think, reaching audiences of all ages and demographics. On Golden Pond is no exception, bringing together a cast of seasoned actors to breathe this beautiful story of age, mortality, and generational living to life. On Golden Pond, a 5-scene, 2-act play, follows Ethel and Norman Thayer, a couple who have been together a lifetime.
Norman’s health is slowly withering, and so is his mind. Ethel, ten years his junior, is faced with the possibility of life without him, while also creating new memories with him and their soon-to-be grandchild. While their daughter and fiancé head to Europe for a summer of new love, they leave behind his son with the elderly couple. Norman and the teen form a multigenerational bond, leaving a lasting impact on all of them; a tale of the duality of life, a summer of newness with an underlying sense
of uncertainty.
The cast is full of Gilbert regulars, a vibrant and still sassy group with decades of experience to bring to the stage. Evan Bridenstine is directing this production, his second one at the Gilbert. When asked what drew him to this particular production, he explained, “There’s a humanity here in the story that I like, and it ties to the same kind of humanity that I found in Rabbit Holes (his directorial debut).”
Leading the small but stellar cast are two theater legends, Rhonda Brocki, playing Ethel Thayer, and James Dean, playing Norman Thayer. Fresh off the stage from Cabaret, Brocki is looking forward to bringing this lively character to life, noting, “On Golden Pond has been a favorite movie of mine, and it’s something I was really interested in doing when it came out. So, I’m really excited about that.”
Dean has been acting since 1976 and is a Gilbert Theater staple, having performed in around 40 productions. While not a fan of the movie like Brocki, Dean saw something in the play that he couldn’t resist.
“I like the play… The play is much more interesting for me because we’ve really been digging into it,” adding, “I’m very happy to have Evan as a director because I’ve never worked with him before. And he’s proven himself to be a listener. An adaptor.”
On Golden Pond addresses age and what that looks like and means from the eyes of those aging, a unique perspective that definitely had the actors channeling real life to capture the essence of the story.
“[It’s] definitely relatable to my life and to some people that I know or in my family. I’m not going to say it’s easy, but I can understand it,” Brocki explained.
But the play isn’t all serious.
“I would love for everyone to realize, don’t come thinking that you’re going to be boohooing and have to sit through a drama. There is a lot of humor and fun in this play. And I think it will resonate with everyone. You’ll be able to relate to it whether you’re young or old,” said Brocki.
Dean, whose real-life wit fits perfectly with his character, has enjoyed exploring the depths of On Golden Pond.
“It’s also about their child, who the mother loves very much, but the father is rather estranged from, and the family dynamics and finding their way through. My character, Norman, talks about death a lot. He’s about to turn 80 in the first scene, so he’s prepared to die at some point, but then these other people arrive. He’s a very witty and funny guy.”
Opening night for On Golden Pond will be extra special with the announcement of the 2026-2027 main stage season.
When the house opens at 7:30 p.m., staff and AD, Matt Lamb, will greet patrons and reveal their 5 shows for the upcoming season. While the show titles are being kept a secret for now, the theme for next year is something Lamb is excited about: Home is Where the Heart Is.
For more information on Gilbert Theater and the last two shows of the season, visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/.

(Image courtesy of Gilbert Theater Facebook Page)