‘On Golden Pond’ comes to Sturges Park August 22

Area residents will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of live theater under the summer sky when Old World New World Theater presents Ernest Thompson’s classic play “On Golden Pond” at Sturges Park, in Buffalo, Saturday, Aug. 22.

The free outdoor performance will feature two showings, 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., at the Sturges Park Bandshell overlooking Buffalo Lake. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a relaxing evening of classic theater.  

Food trucks will be present during the show, along with live music prior to the performance.

Old World New World Theater strives to bring classic and contemporary theater directly to communities throughout Minnesota. Outdoor productions offer audiences a unique opportunity to experience live theater in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere while making the arts available to people of all ages.

Based in the Crystal/St. Louis Park area, New World Old World Theater is headed by Producer/Director Mark Palmer, who has previously acted in performances put on by Buffalo Community Theater, including “Murder on the Nile” in 2024.

“Over the years, I’ve been asked to appear in shows and have directed shows as well. I love acting, but directing is my biggest passion,” stated Palmer. “We’ve previously done ‘Death of a Salesman’ and ‘Uncle Vanya.’ I had the idea of doing ‘On Golden Pond’ outdoors. We do a lot of our shows outdoors, which helps keep overall costs down.”

Providing accessible theater is part of the mission for Palmer. 

“I’d like people to know that there’s something free in the community. It’s going to be quite nice. We have six generations of people working with “On Golden Pond.” Half of the cast comes from Minnesota Playlists, and the others are people who I’ve worked with before.”

“Dennis Kelly, who’s our lead Norman, lives in Maple Plain and does a lot with Buffalo Community Theater. We worked together on “Murder on the Nile.” He heard about the audition from another actor and reached out to me and got the role. There were quite a few Normans who auditioned that were very good.”

A lifelong theater enthusiast, Palmer is passionate about live theater and the community of folks who work tirelessly to bring each show to life.

“I was in Jr. High, in South St. Paul, and the high school theater group needed a kid for their production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” One day, they asked all the kids in my choir class to audition, and we did. It was a chance to be in a high school performance, and I was chosen. It was the first time I was picked for anything, and I was just kind of hooked. Now, I’m working towards my dream of being a community theater director in my retirement years.”

While the performance of “On Golden Pond” is free to attend, donations are accepted and appreciated, helping the group cover a portion of the production costs. 

“Any donation is appreciated, but not expected,” said Palmer. “It’s nice nowadays for people to be able to go to something they don’t have to pay for. It’s a family outing and a show that speaks to all of us. It’s an investment into doing something we love. We want to do everything we can to keep people entertained.”

About “On Golden Pond”

First performed on Broadway in 1979, “On Golden Pond,” written by Ernest Thompson, tells the heartfelt story of Norman and Ethel Thayer, an aging couple returning to their beloved lakeside cottage for another summer. As they confront the realities of growing older, they navigate family relationships, reconciliation, and the enduring power of love. The story blends humor, warmth and emotional depth while exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and making the most of life’s later years.

The performance is one of several special events held at Sturges Park throughout the summer. While Buffalo’s popular Concerts in the Park series concludes its Thursday evening schedule on Aug. 27, the Aug. 22 production of “On Golden Pond” serves as a special weekend addition to the city’s summer entertainment lineup.

Whether audiences are longtime fans of “On Golden Pond” or experiencing the story for the first time, the outdoor production offers a chance to enjoy a timeless American classic in a beautiful outdoor setting at Sturges Park.