Courtenay Little Theatre’s spring production of On Golden Pond opens April 10 at the Sid Williams Theatre.
This heart-warming classic tells the story of the Thayers (played by Tony Arnold and Gail Limber), a spirited and lovable elderly couple, facing their twilight years and their 48th summer at their cottage in Maine.
Unexpectedly, their daughter, her fiancé and his teenaged son come for a visit. The Thayers’ anticipated quiet summer becomes one of surprises, adventures and opportunities to heal old family wounds when the teenager is left in their care.
Shannon Phoenix is in the role of the somewhat-estranged daughter, Chelsea and she brings a wealth of experience to the stage. She started dancing at four, acting at 10, and graduated from Ottawa’s Arts Canterbury Highschool Drama Program.
Phoenix spent many years in Winnipeg doing professional acting, in dinner theatres and in Rainbow Stage summer productions. Since moving to the Valley, she has performed in a variety of roles, most recently as Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone. Whether in a leading role or as a supporting actor, Phoenix is a true professional.
Her broad background of experiences helps Phoenix bring her character to life on the stage. Her strong emotional performance infuses reality into the sometimes awkward father/daughter relationship.
Phoenix feels very fortunate to be able to play this challenging role with such a talented cast and gifted director (Kirstin Humpherys).
“On Golden Pond is guaranteed to take the audience on a roller coast ride of emotions,” says Phoenix.
Playing the fiancé, Matt Williams has a lot of experience on stage, just of a different sort. With his background in radio, Williams has MCed many events, and he played clarinet in numerous Victoria musical productions (admittedly the pit is below the stage but you can’t get much closer).
As a relative newcomer to acting, Williams is certainly passionate about his commitment to the art. “I always leave rehearsal feeling challenged but also renewed.”
Williams has enjoyed watching and learning from such an experienced cast. As for what he brings to the role, he says, “I think we can all relate to trying to make an impression on a loved one’s parents. I’ve had quite a bit of experience trying to relate to many girlfriends’ fathers, some almost as intimidating as Norman Thayer!”
Tickets are selling briskly for this well-known play and are available at the Sid Williams Theatre ticket centre in person, by phoning 250-338-2430 (ext.1) or at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.
Production dates are April 10, 11, 12, 16, and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee April 13 at 2.
— Courtenay Little Theatre
