On Golden Pond - Screen classic radiates life at the Drayton Festival Theatre

The Drayton Festival Theatre proudly kicks off the 2010 Season with one of the most popular stories in both modern cinematic and theatre history.

will launch the theatre’s 20th anniversary season with a three-week run starting June 8.

Embraced by theatregoers since it first appeared off-Broadway in 1978 and by moviegoers since its 1981 adaptation, true love that spans the ages is explored in this touching relationship comedy.

tells the story of retired New England professor and lovable curmudgeon Norman Thayer, and his spirited wife Ethel, who in the twilight years of a long-lasting marriage, decide to visit the family’s lakeside cottage in Maine for one final summer of rest and relaxation.

Their plans are soon interrupted by the arrival of their daughter Chelsea, who leaves behind her fiancé's young son while she embarks on a European vacation, thus requiring the elderly pair to navigate the generation gap through zippy, tart-tongued observations on fishing, literature, slang, marriage and even their own mortality.

“

is an extremely engaging, compelling play that is balanced with great comedic moments. It is a wonderful production to launch the 2010 Season,” said Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment.

Director Adam Furfaro leads this production with an impressive list of past Drayton Entertainment credits, including

(2009),

(2008),

(2007),

(2006), and

(2003 and 2006), and others.

Under Furfaro’s astute direction,

stars Ian Downie as Norman Thayler, Linda Goranson as Ethel and Logan Bennett as Billy Ray.  Chelsea is played by Susie Burnett, while Chelsea’s fiancé is portrayed by Lee MacDougall.

The deserved recipient of numerous prestigious film awards, Ernest Thompson’s

is also one of the most widely produced plays in contemporary theatre.

Broadway’s 2005 revival featured the great James Earl Jones as Norman, for which he received the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

With its heart-warming message and hilarious reflections on life’s everyday struggles and the ultimate triumphs of love and family,

speaks to all generations of theatregoers.

“This production is going to be one of the sure-fire hits of the season,” says Mustakas. “I expect that by the time we open on June 8, it will be virtually sold out.”

is proudly sponsored by Pepsi. Media sponsors are CKPC FM 92.1 and AM 1380, CKNX AM 920 and The Wellington Advertiser. The design sponsor is Cherrey Bus Lines Inc. The 2010 season is proudly sponsored by Melloul-Blamey Construction and CTV.

plays eight shows a week June 8 through 26. To order tickets call the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463. To find out more about the 2010 season, visit draytonfestivaltheatre.com.