Second Street Players to present ‘On Golden Pond’ opening Jan. 26

For its 2024 season opener, Second Street Players will offer “On Golden Pond.” The endearing drama written by Ernest Thompson is one of the most produced plays of modern times.

Directed by Marge Ventura with Ann Nichols as assistant director, performances are set for Friday to Sunday, Jan. 26 to 28, and Feb. 2 to 4, at the Riverfront Theater, 2 S. Walnut St., Milford. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m., and Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. Seats are $22 with a $1 discount available to seniors, students and theater members. 

Returning for their 48th summer to their beloved cottage on Golden Pond in Maine are Norman, a retired professor nearing 80 with a humorously pessimistic outlook on the golden years; and Ethel, 10 years younger and the perfect foil for Norman, who delights in all the small things that continue to enrich their long life together. They are looking forward to a bit of fishing, picking strawberries, listening to the loons and enjoying the peaceful solitude.

But this year is different – they’re visited by their estranged, divorced, middle-aged daughter Chelsea, along with her dentist fiancé Bill and his precocious 12-year-old son Billy. Looking to set off for Europe by themselves, Chelsea and Bill leave Billy behind with Norman and Ethel for the summer. The relationship among the three surprisingly flourishes and Billy quickly becomes the grandchild the elderly couple have longed for. As the summer wanes, they know that time is now against them, but the years have been good, and perhaps another summer on Golden Pond still awaits.

To purchase tickets, go to secondstreetplayers.com.

Patrons who need assistance with the ticketing website or with other questions may email info@secondstreetplayers.com or leave a message at 302-422-0220.