Fond of 'Golden Pond'?

If so, head to Crystal River to see the mayor and his wife play roles that won Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda Oscars.

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 14, 2000

As many people who watched the heart-tugging 1981 movie starring Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda will recall, On Golden Pond tells the story of an old couple facing their final days together.

[Times photo: Ron Thompson] Bill Ray (David Bobola) waits for Norman (Curtis Rich) to kiss his wife (Vangie Rich) goodbye.

In the play, the old couple are visited by their divorced daughter and her fiance. They drop off the man's teenage son for the summer while they whisk away for a European holiday. The teen quickly assumes the role of the old couple's grandchild, and the interplay between him and the old man is particularly touching.

Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn won Academy Awards for their performances in the movie. When the awards were announced, Fonda was on his deathbed.

The Playhouse 19 cast features Crystal River Mayor Curtis Rich and his wife, Vangie Rich, in the title roles. He plays Norman Thayer, the old college professor with a bad heart and failing memory. Vangie Rich plays his sensible, loving wife, Ethel.

Playing their middle-aged daughter, Chelsea, is Renee Sheldon. Her fiance, Charlie, is David Easter. The teenage son, Billy Ray, is played alternately by David Bobola and Greg Wilker.

At a glance

• WHAT: On Golden Pond
• WHEN: Opens tonight and runs Thursdays through Sundays through May 7. Thursday showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8. Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. One Saturday matinee on April 29 at 2 p.m.
• WHERE: Playhouse 19, 865 U.S. 19 S, Crystal River.
• TICKETS: $10 at the box office. Call 795-1333.

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