The time is 1990.
Production Company: Wasatch Theatre Company
Playwright: Ernest Thompson
Director: Hugh Hanson
Stage Manager: Luke Peterson
Set Design: Leslie Hanson
Lighting Design: Riley Merrill
Lighting Board Operator:
Sound: Hugh Hanson
Sound Operator: Jim Martin
Managing Producer: Jim Martin
Special Thanks: Salt Lake City Arts Council
Norman Tayer: Richard Scharine
Ethel Thayer: Jayne Luke
Charlie: Kory Kyker
Chelsea: Michele McGarry
Bill Ray: Tad Wilson
Billy Ray: Declan McAlhany
Ernest Thompson--Playwright
From IMBD (retrived November 17, 2024) Academy Award winner Ernest Thompson has acted with, written for and/or directed 30 fellow Oscar winners or nominees. He's starred in the independent movies Time and Charges (2013) and Heavenly Angle (2014), both of which he wrote and directed, and costarred with NYPD Blue Emmy winner Gordon Clapp in The Constituent (2024), based on his one-act. Known for his Oscar-winning script for the classic On Golden Pond (1981), adapted from his world-renowned play - translated into 30 languages and performed in more than 40 countries on six continents - Ernest has had 37 of his plays, full-length and one-acts, performed in front of audiences and authored dozens of movies, ten credited to him, six directed by him as well. As an actor, Ernest starred in two TV series, Sierra (1974) and Westside Medical (1977), appeared on Broadway and off and in theatres around the country. He has written more than 200 songs, working with such legends as Carly Simon and Joan Osborne, the novel The Book of Maps (2022), for which he recorded the audiobook, and Out Clause (2025).
From IMBD (retrived November 17, 2024) Academy Award winner Ernest Thompson has acted with, written for and/or directed 30 fellow Oscar winners or nominees. He's starred in the independent movies Time and Charges (2013) and Heavenly Angle (2014), both of which he wrote and directed, and costarred with NYPD Blue Emmy winner Gordon Clapp in The Constituent (2024), based on his one-act. Known for his Oscar-winning script for the classic On Golden Pond (1981), adapted from his world-renowned play - translated into 30 languages and performed in more than 40 countries on six continents - Ernest has had 37 of his plays, full-length and one-acts, performed in front of audiences and authored dozens of movies, ten credited to him, six directed by him as well. As an actor, Ernest starred in two TV series, Sierra (1974) and Westside Medical (1977), appeared on Broadway and off and in theatres around the country. He has written more than 200 songs, working with such legends as Carly Simon and Joan Osborne, the novel The Book of Maps (2022), for which he recorded the audiobook, and Out Clause (2025).
Jayne Luke as Ethel
Once in awhile someone gives me an opportunity that is truly extraordinary. This is the way I feel about playing Ethel in On Golden Pond. Thank you Jim Martin and Wasatch Theatre Company. Now that I am an actress “of a certain age” I get to walk in the footsteps of Kathryn Hepburn, Helen Mirren and Shirley MacLaine. These are big shoes to fill but the older I get, the more I feel comfortable in them. I have worked as an actress, director and choreographer in Utah for over 50 years. I am so grateful to have worked at Hale Centre Theatre, Hale Center Theater Orem, Pioneer Theatre Company, Plan B, The Grand, West Valley Arts, Salt Lake Acting Company, and the Sundance Summer Theatre. I have also loved working in smaller theatres like Creekside Theatre Festival, Walk-Ons, Inc. and Pleasant
Grove Players. I have played wonderful roles in my life: Barbara Bush in First Daughter Suit, Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience, Mrs. Peacock in Clue, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Abuela Claudia in In the Heights, Aida in Over the River, Abby in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Amanda in Glass Menagerie and many more. I have been so lucky. Which one is my favorite? That’s like asking a mother which is her favorite kid.
Once in awhile someone gives me an opportunity that is truly extraordinary. This is the way I feel about playing Ethel in On Golden Pond. Thank you Jim Martin and Wasatch Theatre Company. Now that I am an actress “of a certain age” I get to walk in the footsteps of Kathryn Hepburn, Helen Mirren and Shirley MacLaine. These are big shoes to fill but the older I get, the more I feel comfortable in them. I have worked as an actress, director and choreographer in Utah for over 50 years. I am so grateful to have worked at Hale Centre Theatre, Hale Center Theater Orem, Pioneer Theatre Company, Plan B, The Grand, West Valley Arts, Salt Lake Acting Company, and the Sundance Summer Theatre. I have also loved working in smaller theatres like Creekside Theatre Festival, Walk-Ons, Inc. and Pleasant
Grove Players. I have played wonderful roles in my life: Barbara Bush in First Daughter Suit, Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience, Mrs. Peacock in Clue, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Abuela Claudia in In the Heights, Aida in Over the River, Abby in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Amanda in Glass Menagerie and many more. I have been so lucky. Which one is my favorite? That’s like asking a mother which is her favorite kid.
Richard Scharine as Norman
Like Norman Thayer Jr., Richard Scharine is a professor emeritus (the University of Utah Theatre Department in his case). He has published five books and approximately 25 articles, and been named University Professor, and winner of the University Diversity Award, College of Fine Arts Faculty Excellence Award, and a Fulbright Senior Lectureship at the University of Gdansk in Poland. Dr. Scharine has directed 100 plays (including a 17 year stretch as Artistic Director for People Productions, Utah's first African American theatre) and acted in 100 plays, including performances in seven foreign countries.
But now he is old.
Like Norman Thayer Jr., Richard Scharine is a professor emeritus (the University of Utah Theatre Department in his case). He has published five books and approximately 25 articles, and been named University Professor, and winner of the University Diversity Award, College of Fine Arts Faculty Excellence Award, and a Fulbright Senior Lectureship at the University of Gdansk in Poland. Dr. Scharine has directed 100 plays (including a 17 year stretch as Artistic Director for People Productions, Utah's first African American theatre) and acted in 100 plays, including performances in seven foreign countries.
But now he is old.
Hugh Hanson--Director
Hugh Hanson holds an MFA in Theatre Direction and is a member of the U of Utah Theatre Department faculty. Hugh was Artistic Director of Salt Lake Shakespeare for seven years, directing a show each year. Other credits include The Rainmaker at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, Sweeney Todd at Heritage Theatre, The Full Monty at Ziegfeld Theater, Heraklesfor the Greek Theatre Festival, Boeing Boeing for Pinnacle Acting Company, Fiddler on the Roof at Terrace Plaza Playhouse, as well as many shows at the U of U, including All My Sons, The Pillowman, James and the Giant Peach, Hurlyburly and Baby With the Bathwater. He thanks the cast for exercising patience and Leslie for everything.
Hugh Hanson holds an MFA in Theatre Direction and is a member of the U of Utah Theatre Department faculty. Hugh was Artistic Director of Salt Lake Shakespeare for seven years, directing a show each year. Other credits include The Rainmaker at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, Sweeney Todd at Heritage Theatre, The Full Monty at Ziegfeld Theater, Heraklesfor the Greek Theatre Festival, Boeing Boeing for Pinnacle Acting Company, Fiddler on the Roof at Terrace Plaza Playhouse, as well as many shows at the U of U, including All My Sons, The Pillowman, James and the Giant Peach, Hurlyburly and Baby With the Bathwater. He thanks the cast for exercising patience and Leslie for everything.
Tad Wilson as Bill Ray
Tad is excited to be making his debut with Wasatch Theatre Company. He previously worked with Hugh in The Rainmaker at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre and would like to thank him for this opportunity. Tad is humbled to be working alongside such a talented cast. Tad has been in many productions along the Wasatch Front. Some of his favorite roles include Harold Hill in The Music Man, Ali Hakim in Oklahoma, Amos Calloway in Big Fish, and both Sam (CCAC) and Bill (BTTP) in Mamma Mia! He would like to thank his wife Tara for her love and support.
Tad is excited to be making his debut with Wasatch Theatre Company. He previously worked with Hugh in The Rainmaker at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre and would like to thank him for this opportunity. Tad is humbled to be working alongside such a talented cast. Tad has been in many productions along the Wasatch Front. Some of his favorite roles include Harold Hill in The Music Man, Ali Hakim in Oklahoma, Amos Calloway in Big Fish, and both Sam (CCAC) and Bill (BTTP) in Mamma Mia! He would like to thank his wife Tara for her love and support.
Kory Kyker as Charlie
Kory received a BFA in the Actor Training Program at the University of Utah and a BA in Humanities from CSU-Sacramento. He is happy to be back on stage after a 10 year Hiatus. Kory is a high school theatre teacher. He has performed both on stage and on film. Previous productions include Yolo the Dwarf at Evermore Park, Lodovico/Duke of Venice in Othello (Imprinity) Reporter/Ensemble in Dracula (Pioneer), Death/Pheres in Alcestis (Red Butte Gardens) Monsieur Jourdain in The Would-Be Gentleman (Babcock), Dr. Dorn in The Seagull (Babcock). Moreholt/Brangian in Tristan and Yseult (Babcock). Michal in Pillowman (Studio 115), in which he received an Irene Ryan nomination. He has appeared in the independent feature, Hansel & Gretel, "403" a film short which was an Official Selection of the Washington DC Independent Film Festival and October Evening film festival, as well as multiple local commercials in Utah. Kory would like to thank his daughters for their love and support, his dog Merlin, and Hugh for this opportunity to be directed by him again on stage.
Kory received a BFA in the Actor Training Program at the University of Utah and a BA in Humanities from CSU-Sacramento. He is happy to be back on stage after a 10 year Hiatus. Kory is a high school theatre teacher. He has performed both on stage and on film. Previous productions include Yolo the Dwarf at Evermore Park, Lodovico/Duke of Venice in Othello (Imprinity) Reporter/Ensemble in Dracula (Pioneer), Death/Pheres in Alcestis (Red Butte Gardens) Monsieur Jourdain in The Would-Be Gentleman (Babcock), Dr. Dorn in The Seagull (Babcock). Moreholt/Brangian in Tristan and Yseult (Babcock). Michal in Pillowman (Studio 115), in which he received an Irene Ryan nomination. He has appeared in the independent feature, Hansel & Gretel, "403" a film short which was an Official Selection of the Washington DC Independent Film Festival and October Evening film festival, as well as multiple local commercials in Utah. Kory would like to thank his daughters for their love and support, his dog Merlin, and Hugh for this opportunity to be directed by him again on stage.
Michele McGarry as Chelsea
Michele is thrilled to work with this stellar cast and make her debut with Wasatch Theatre Company. Michele has performed and worked “ on the dark side” for many years in Northern Utah and teaches high school theatre. Highlights include Percy (Spitfire Grill), Lucy (Jekyll & Hyde), Anna (King and I), Beggar Woman (Sweeney Todd) and many other fantastic roles. Thanks to Hugh for believing in me for this role!
Michele is thrilled to work with this stellar cast and make her debut with Wasatch Theatre Company. Michele has performed and worked “ on the dark side” for many years in Northern Utah and teaches high school theatre. Highlights include Percy (Spitfire Grill), Lucy (Jekyll & Hyde), Anna (King and I), Beggar Woman (Sweeney Todd) and many other fantastic roles. Thanks to Hugh for believing in me for this role!
Declan McAlhany as Billy Ray
Declan has been doing theatre since he was 8 years old. Some of his favorite roles include Oliver in the musical Oliver!, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Doody in Grease. In his free time, Declan likes hanging out with friends, traveling, and collecting vinyl records. He’s ecstatic to be able to perform at the Regent Street Black Box and work with Wasatch Theatre Company for the first time.
Declan has been doing theatre since he was 8 years old. Some of his favorite roles include Oliver in the musical Oliver!, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Doody in Grease. In his free time, Declan likes hanging out with friends, traveling, and collecting vinyl records. He’s ecstatic to be able to perform at the Regent Street Black Box and work with Wasatch Theatre Company for the first time.
Luke Peterson--Stage Manager/Operator
Luke Peterson is a second-year political science student at the University of Utah who is minoring in theatre. He is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. He loves BBQ, Scorsese movies and any large body of water. He wants to thank the director, Hugh Hanson, for giving him the opportunity to be a part of this production.
Instagram: @luketpete
Luke Peterson is a second-year political science student at the University of Utah who is minoring in theatre. He is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. He loves BBQ, Scorsese movies and any large body of water. He wants to thank the director, Hugh Hanson, for giving him the opportunity to be a part of this production.
Instagram: @luketpete
WTC Board of Directors
Sharon Daurelle
Jim Martin
Katie Smith
Phillip Vernon
Sharon Daurelle
Jim Martin
Katie Smith
Phillip Vernon
Coming next
Tickets on sale soon:
