ACTORS AUDITION FOR RIVER CITY PLAYERS PRODUCTION

For director Steve Ruppel, the River City Players' upcoming production of "On Golden Pond" offers more than simply an opportunity to direct a full-length stage play for the first time. It also gives him a chance to do something for his grandfather.

Ruppel -- a university student who has acted in numerous local productions, including this fall's "Henry IV" -- first became familiar with "On Golden Pond" when his grandfather took him to see the film version of the play, which starred Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn.

"I loved the movie and so did my grandfather," Ruppel said.

Two weeks ago, Ruppel's grandfather died.

Written by Ernest Thompson, the play, which is hilarious at one moment and poignant the next, tells the story of Norman and Ethel Thayer, an elderly couple who return to a cabin where they used to spend their summers. The cabin is located on Golden Pond.

Norman, who suffers from a heart condition and frequent lapses of memory, is celebrating his 80th birthday.

Throughout their long marriage, Norman and Ethel have faced many turmoils together. Now, Ruppel says, they face the last turmoil -- the turmoil of growing old.

"It's a play about life and love and about being confronted with growing old when things aren't working like they used to and you realize that you won't live forever," Ruppel said.

"That scary fact is eased with the love of a wife or a husband," he said.

Because of the sentimental, romantic appeal of the play, the River City Players have scheduled the play for Valentine's weekend. It will open Feb. 12 and close Feb. 15.

The River City Players -- the community theatre company of Cape Girardeau -- averages about two or three productions a year. In October they produced "Bell, Book and Candle." The stage version of "Steel Magnolias" was their 1997 Valentine's offering.

Part of the problem the company has in producing plays is the lack of a permanent facility.

"We're homeless vagabonds," said Tana Howard, vice-president of the theatre's board.

The number of shows produced depends on how much space the group can secure, she added. In the past, the company has performed in churches, restaurants and the university's library.

Negotiations with a couple of local restaurants may allow the River City Players to offer its production of "On Golden Pond" as a dinner theatre, something which has proved successful for the group in the past.

Auditions will continue tonight at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis, beginning at 7 p.m. The cast includes parts for two women, three men and a 13-year-old boy.

Because it is a community theatre group, River City Players invites any and all members of the Cape Girardeau and surrounding communities to audition.

Reservation and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

The River City Players is a not-for-profit organization which operates under the auspices of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.