“On Golden Pond,” the beloved 1979 play by Ernest Thompson, tells the story of Norman and Ethel Thayer (featuring actors Phil Thompson and Barb Stauble, respectively), a couple on the “far end of middle age” who have once again returned to their vacation home on Golden Pond in Maine, for their 48th summer. Norman is in the early stages of memory loss, but Ethel is determined to have a wonderful summer, knowing this may be their last. A visit by daughter Chelsea, her fiancé Billy Ray and his son Billy Ray Jr. prompts the play’s exploration of the turbulent relationship Chelsea shared with her father growing up, and the difficulties experienced in the family. The characters withstand challenging moments of the family cycle, as old scars are laid bare for the audience to grapple with the passage of time, and the fraught relationships that explore the human condition.
“On Golden Pond” strongly resonates with Deertrees’ Lakes Region community, many of whom have cherished their families’ multi-generation lake homes – that special place where they’ve gathered for years, enjoying the beauty and respite of Maine summers. Deertrees is a perfect setting for this beloved story, nestled in a tiny Maine town between Long and Crystal Lakes. This “time capsule” play may not appeal to universal modern sensibility, helming from its 1979 setting. Nonetheless, it is an honest, snapshot in time and a portrayal of a family and a couple nearing the end of their chapter in a precious and magical place.
Also featuring Allison Taber, Bob Sawyer, Daniel Rennie, Buddy Tucker and Sandy Swett!
Kindly Sponsored by Pine Tree Paving
Phil was last seen in the musical Lost Cell Phone Weekend in its world premiere production produced by Image Theater in Lowell Ma. Other recent credits: Sideman with TheaterUncorked in Boston, The Good Deli with Moonbox Productions, Romeo and Juliet with the Apollinaire Theatre Company and Saltonstall’s Trial as Judge Stoughton with Punctuate4 Productions. Phil also works as an actor with Rapport Communications, a program that works with Boston area hospitals and medical professionals. Phil is also an audiobook narrator and voice over artist having voiced characters for video games and various narration projects.
Barbara Stauble (Ethel) has been active in local community theaters on stage and behind the scenes since being bitten by the theater bug at 14 years old. She has been seen on the Deertrees stage as Cassandra in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in 2021, and as Marvalyn in Almost Maine in 2023. Her most fun and memorable role was that of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz in 2001 with Windham Center Stage Theater and again in 2017 with Lake Region Community Theater. She claims raising her seven children prepared her for the role better than anything else. Barb has served on the Deertrees Board of Directors for several years and now runs the Salt Lick Cafe. She lives in Bridgton in her dream house with her husband Ray. She is thrilled to be sharing the stage with such talented and accomplished actors, and even though she’s no Susie Pepper, she is her mother. Oh - and she LOVES Pickleball!
Allison Taber is a mother of two daughters, Abbigale & Brooke, and will be celebrating her 21st wedding anniversary this September with her husband, Matt. She has lived in Harrison for 20 years and grew up in North Berwick, Maine. Allison has worked with children for over 25 years and currently serves as a Youth Services Coordinator at the Harrison Village Library. In addition, she spends time with children teaching dance classes, yoga, and Zumba at The Ballroom in Harrison, Maine. Finally feeling brave enough to step outside her comfort zone, she has found passion and excitement for theatre. Allison was last seen at Deertrees Theatre as Marci in Almost Maine.
This is Daniel’s 16th year of acting in these Oxford Hills. Most recently, Dan appeared in Dominion at The Footlights Theatre as the man in the shadows. His roles have ranged from the Gentleman Caller Jim from the Glass Menagerie, to the Drunkard Dr. Lyman in Bus Stop, to a little red crab with a big personality named Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. Some of his Favorite roles were Horton the Elephant in Seussical, and Easton (at Deertrees Theatre), Chad and Dave in ALMOST, MAINE. His knees never fully recovered from his role as Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. James from Circle, Mirror, Transformation was a uniquely challenging and emotional role, and Mr. Green in Clue, and the stage Play of Stephen King's Misery as Sheriff Buster. He resides in Waterford with his wife Jenny, son Henry and nearby daughter Lilijune, and is so grateful for them!Dan is excited to appear in ON GOLDEN POND and THE PRODUCERS this season on the Deertrees Stage!
This is Bob's second time on the Deertrees Stage! He was recently seen as Lendell in Deertrees production of Almost Maine. Bob starred in a few plays in highschool but then had to take a “life” break. He rejoined the stage with Lake Region Community Theater in James and the Giant Peach then Matilda and The Sound of Music. Bob has also been a voice actor in 1 released episode of the podcast Theatrical Shenanigans with 3 more coming later this year.
Buddy Tucker is a budding actor and singer. He happens to also be Barb Stauble's grandson! Buddy has appeared locally in The Sound of Music, Matilda and Horton Hears a Who. He loves to sing and play the trumpet - he knows music runs in his family! (Susie Pepper is his aunt after all!) Buddy has participated in the junior symphony choir for the Magic of Christmas in Portland. He has four brothers, a cat and a dog! Oh - and Buddy really loves to fish!
Sandy Swett will finally grace the stage at Deertrees Theatre as the Telephone Operator in On Golden Pond. Sandy heads the Harrison Food Bank and has been in the Harrison community her whole life. She is excited to put her classic "Maine accent" to work in this heartfelt and funny play.
Gail Phaneuf (Director/Sound Design) is the Executive and Artistic Director for Deertrees Theatre. She is thrilled to direct this classic lake-centered drama on the Deertrees Stage! Gail is an award-winning playwright, composer, producer, actor and director. She was on the Deertrees stage most recently in her one woman show Kippy. Before that she directed and played Louise in Deertrees 2021 and 2022 Productions of Always...Patsy Cline. Her teen musical The Love Note has enjoyed an Off-Broadway run in NYC, and continues to have numerous productions at schools, regional theaters and theater camps around the globe. MONSTERS! A Midlife Musical Meltdown, which will be seen later this AUGUST (16-18) on the Deertrees Stage, is a collaboration with Broadway lyricist Ernie Lijoi. The comic musical has had been produced at Deertrees Theatre in 2010, and was also staged in Boston at Centastage, The Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA and is currently running in Pennsylvania. Gail's latest show is a song cycle entitled Memorize You. It was workshopped in Boston and premiered at the Deertrees 85th Anniversary GALA. Gail is happy to work with this dream cast and wants to thank her family, the board members and YOU (our faithful audience members) for being so supportive in her theatrical journey at Maine's Most Enchanting Playhouse. Enjoy the show!
