An Interview with Jeff Hanson

Jeff Hanson on playing Bill Ray

in On Golden Pond

Jeff, is this your first Guild production?

Yes, it is.  I play the role of Bill Ray, Chelsea’s boyfriend.  Bill has a son from a previous marriage named, Billy.  In the play, Chelsea, Bill and Billy come to Golden Pond so that  Ethel and Norman can meet Bill and Billy Ray.

Have you acted before?

 Yes… I was involved in theatre in high school.  I originally thought of going into radio broadcasting, a so I went to university to study communication arts and theatre.  During my time at university, I worked on productions.  I also taught drama in high school in Alberta.  I have always wanted to get back into theatre;  here I am, 21 years later, returning to the stage!

 

Jeff's headshot for On Golden Pond

You have a bit of a theatrical family, don’t you?

 Yes, my daughters, Hailey and Malone, are involved with the Chilliwack School of Performing Arts, as is my son, Billy.    I worked backstage in several of the SCOPA productions.  My wife and kids were the ones who encouraged me to audition for On Golden Pond. 

Did you know the play?

 Yes, I love the  play and know it quite well.  I love the story and how the playwright explores the relationships between the characters.   I am also a fan of the movie.  The play really speaks to me! 

Were you surprised when you got the part of Bill Ray, Chelsea’s love interest in the play?

 Totally!  I went to the audition, just for the experience, not expecting to get a part.  There were lots of people there, and it was kind of nerve-wracking.  I read with Graham Archer and I thought to myself that he would make a great Norman.  I never imagined I’d get cast.  

How did you feel when you got the part?

 I thought to myself, now what do I do?!  I mean, how did I learn lines way back then?  I felt a little rusty!  But all the Guild folks made me feel so welcome.  I love going to rehearsals, and I have been learning so much watching Joan and Graham.  I have the perfect role to get myself back into theatre.   It’s not too big, but it’s an important role for the story. 

How would you describe your character, Bill?

 Bill is a city guy, a dentist, who is in love with Chelsea.  In the play, Bill is being introduced to the family for the first time, so there is a lot on the line for him.  He wants to make a good impression.  Chelsea has warned  him that her father is a crotchety old bugger, so he’s a bit nervous to meet Norman.  Bill has a son, Billy Ray, who he trying to straighten out.  So, Bill has a lot on his mind.

 

Jeff in rehearsals for On Golden Pond.

You said that the script really speaks to you.  How so?

 I think because it’s so well written.  The story is timeless, endearing; it touches your heart, and it’s relatable.  So many families struggle with dysfunction, but they love each other, and they try to make the relationships work.  The story is still relevant, and the cast is wonderful, so talented.  It’s dramatic, yes, but there is so much humour in the story.

 And you will be performing on the Chilliwack Cultural Centre stage…

 I have worked backstage, and I’ve been to many productions at the Cultural Centre, and I think it’s an absolute jewel..  We are so lucky to have such a beautiful space in Chilliwack. 

What do you like about acting?

 I think it’s good for the soul to make believe, to pretend.  It’s so rewarding to tell a story.  That’s what acting is:  you make a commitment to tell a story so that the audience can see the playwright’s vision come to life. 

Are you hoping to act in future Guild productions?

 Well, let’s see how this one goes!

An Interview with Joan Hogan

Joan Hogan – Ethel

Joan, how many Guild shows have you been in? 

 Oh, probably 55 or 56, I think! 

Wow!  With so many acting roles to your credit, what are your all-time favourite roles? 

 I would have to say Liza Doolittle in the Guild’s production of Pygmalion, directed by Christine Newsome.  I loved playing the transition from a cockney flower girl to a high class lady.  It was very challenging.  Another of my favourite roles was actually very similar to Liza Doolittle -  I played Rita in Educating Rita,  a story about a woman who is transformed when she goges back to school as an adult and discovers that she is actually very intelligent.  I also loved playing the Reverend Mother in Nunsense; I got to dance, act, sing and do an Irish accent! 

 

Joan as Rita in our 1986 production of Educating Rita with cast mate Alan Davis.

How would you describe Ethel, the character you play in On Golden Pond?

 Well, Ethel is a dramatic role, I would say, even though the play has lots of humour.  Ethel and Norman, her husband, have been together for 48 years, and his health is starting to decline.  Ethel tries to keep his spirits up, and keep peace in the family.  She ties to keep Norman and their daughter, Chelsea, from fighting; she loves them both but like lots of mothers, she finds herself caught in the middle.    Ethel is  very supportive of her husband, but worried about him.  Norman is turning 80; suddenly Ethel  is faced with the possibility that he won’t always be there.  So, she tries to be upbeat, to keep things light.  She’s in a bit in denial, I think. 

Sounds like a story we can all relate to in some way or another…

 Absolutely!  It’s a lovely mix of comedy and drama, very heart warming, with emotional peaks and valleys.  I can really relate to the story because I have gone though similar issues with my own family.  At my age, you start to think about the reality of being in the latter part of your life.  Sometimes in rehearsals, I get goosebumps.  The writing is so beautiful…the characters are so real…

It’s a story about a marriage, a family.  Norman is in a dark place and Ethel is trying to lift him back up.  He is estranged from their daughter, and Ethel sees that time is running out for the two of them to reconcile.  It’s a lovely story, and very hopeful. 

 

Joan and Graham rehearse for On Golden Pond.

Graham Archer is playing the role of Norman.  What’s he like to act with?

 I have known Graham for 30 years, so there is a level of comfort and trust already there.  He is a wonderful actor.  We have a rapport, a connection, to build on.  Because we have connection, each rehearsal allows us to get deeper into the characters.  When you feel comfortable with someone on stage, you can really let go and explore the character.  I am lucky to have that with Graham. 

Joan, you have been a long time Guild member.  What keeps you involved in the Guild?

 The Guild is like a family.  I am from England, where my family still lives, so the friends I have made in the Guild have become my family.  We have grown up together, raised our kids together, been involved with shows together.  I feel very close to the people in the Guild. They are so creative, so hard working.  Being in a show with them is a team effort. 

How many people are involved in a show like On Golden Pond?

 Aside from the actors and the director, Clint Hames, we have a huge crew working on the show:  stage manager, assistant stage manager, backstage crew, props , advertising, producer, make up,  hair, costumes, set construction, set painting, opening night reception…there are a lot of people involved in mounting a show!

Who do you think would enjoy the show?

 Oh, I think the show would appeal to people of all generations.  Everyone will see themselves in the characters and the situation. 

Tell us about being directed by veteran Guild member Clint Hames…

 I love working with Clint!  He is knowledgable; he researches the play; he has a deep understanding of the characters.  He may have different ideas of my character that I do, but he makes suggestions that help me explore the character.  I love his viewpoint.  He listens to what you have to say, is respectful of what you think…he allows you to develop your own interpretation of the character.  I feel so confident in his abilities as a director.  With Clint directing, I know we will have an excellent show.