On Golden Pond Confirmed to Close on June 26

Producers Jeffrey Finn, Arlene Scanlan and Stuart Thompson confirmed today that the Tony Award-nominated production of On Golden Pond starring Tony winners James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams will play its final performance this Sunday, June 26 at 3PM at The Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street). It will have played a total of 19 previews and 93 regular performances.

The producers had previously announced the posting of a provisional closing notice for this Sunday, because of Mr. Jones' ongoing illness, which had kept him out of the show since last Wednesday, June 15. Diagnosed with pneumonia, he's been recuperating at home on doctors' orders. It was originally hoped that he would recover in time to return next week, enabling producers to take down the notice and continue the run.

Today, however, his doctors determined that the seriousness of recuperating from pneumonia would prevent his return until sometime in August. (Mr. Jones is expected to make a full recovery in that amount of time.)

The production, originally slated to run through Labor Day, will now close this Sunday.

"The entire On Golden Pond family is heartbroken to close this production prematurely," said producer Jeffrey Finn, "and it's especially disappointing that James Earl Jones won't be with us for our final performances. Unfortunately, when we take a hard look at the financial reality of running several more weeks without him, closing is our most responsible decision. We all wish James Earl as swift a recovery as possible."

Mr. Finn also confirmed his intention that this Company of On Golden Pond will perform together again in the show in the near future. Additionally, as previously announced, a national tour of On Golden Pond will launch in September 2006.

Written by Ernest Thompson (who won an Academy Award for adapting his own play into the screenplay for the 1981 hit film) and directed by Leonard Foglia, On Golden Pond had its official opening Thursday, April 7, 2005, following a premiere engagement at The Kennedy Center. It was nominated for two 2005 Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Play.

The production marked Mr. Jones' long-awaited return to the Broadway stage for the first time since winning his second Tony Award for Fences in 1987. For this performance, he earned rave reviews and Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Helen Hayes and Drama-League nominations.

On Golden Pond tells the story of the lovable curmudgeon Norman and his spirited wife, Ethel - a couple whose final summer at their lakeside cottage in Maine is interrupted by the arrival of their estranged daughter and her fiancé's young son. On Golden Pond is a heartwarming and hilarious celebration of the everyday struggles and ultimate triumphs of life, love and family.

The production also features Linda Powell, Peter Francis James, Craig Bockhorn and Alexander Mitchell.

In Mr. Jones' absence and for the rest of the run, the role of Norman is being played by his standby, veteran Broadway actor Charles Turner. Mr. Turner has performed major roles on and Off-Broadway, in regional theaters and on film and television. His Broadway credits include productions of Twelfth Night, The Little Foxes and Caeser and Cleopatra. His many starring roles include Troy in Fences, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, the title role in Othello and The Man opposite Marian Seldes in The Play About the Baby. About his performance in this production, The Santa Barbara Independent wrote, "Charles Turner's cunning, very funny, and ultimately heart-wrenching rendition of Norman Thayer, Jr. is a privilege and delight to see!"

The production features set design by Ray Klausen, costume design by Jane Greenwood, lighting design by Brian Nason and sound design and original music by Dan Moses Schreier.

Final performances will be this Thursday and Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 2PM and 8PM and Sunday at 3PM. To purchase tickets ($46.25-$91.25), go online at www.telecharge.com, call (212) 239-6200 or visit The Cort Theatre Box Office (138 West 48th Street). A limited number of Student Rush Tickets are available for $25 (cash only, day of performance, starting three hours before curtain, subject to availability). This offer is for students only, 25 years and under. A valid student ID is required.

For complete information, visit the show's official website at www.GoldenPondOnBroadway.com.