ON GOLDEN POND Nominated for 4 Helen Hayes Awards

It was announced today that the upcoming Broadway production of On Golden Pond, starring the legendary James Earl Jones and Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams, has been nominated for 4 Helen Hayes Awards, the prestigious awards that pay tribute to excellence in professional theater in Washington, DC. The production premiered last Fall at The Kennedy Center.

On Golden Pond was eligible in four categories, and it scored nominations in all four: Outstanding Non-Resident Production; Outstanding Lead Actor James Earl Jones for his performance as Norman Thayer, Jr.; Outstanding Lead Actress Leslie Uggams as Ethel Thayer; and Outstanding Supporting Performer Craig Bockhorn as Charlie Martin (the mailman). Winners will be announced at a ceremony at Washington's Warner Theatre on Monday, May 9.

This new production of On Golden Pond, featuring a revised script by original playwright Ernest Thompson (who also won an Academy Award for adapting his own play into the screenplay for the 1981 hit film), premiered to glowing reviews. Directed by Leonard Foglia (Master Class), it will transfer to New York with the same cast and creative team. Previews begin Tuesday, March 22 with an official Opening Night set for Thursday, April 7 at The Cort Theatre (138 West 38th Street).

This production marks James Earl Jones' eagerly-awaited return to the Broadway stage for the first time since earning his second Tony Award for Fences in 1987. It is also the first major U.S. production to feature African-American performers playing the family (representing a majority of the characters in the play).

"We are all honored that The Helen Hayes Awards recognized On Golden Pond in every category that we were eligible for," said producer Jeffrey Finn. "Washington audiences and critics embraced James Earl Jones, Leslie Uggams and this production, and we're looking forward to our New York audiences. Ernest Thompson's wonderful new work on the script brings out all of the play's heart and humor. I'm especially grateful to The Kennedy Center for their support of On Golden Pond." Finn produced the premiere at The Kennedy Center and is joined by Arlene Scanlan and Stuart Thompson in New York.