Bob Newell attended a dinner theater performance while in Hot Springs, Ark. The company performed “On Golden Pond,” and because the show struck a sweet spot in Newell’s heart he decided he would like to take a crack at directing it here in Vicksburg, and on Friday, the Vicksburg Theatre Guild will hold their opening performance of “On Golden Pond” at the Parkside Playhouse, 101 Iowa Ave.

“I saw the play and fell in love with the story and wanted to see it done in Vicksburg,” Newell said.

“The play is a love story about two people who have been going to a summerhouse for 40 years,” he said.

VTG regular Jim Miller has been cast as Norman Thayer Jr., the leading male in the play.

He (Thayer) is a total pessimist, Newell said, and he has grown old and has started to show signs of ageing.

He has heart palpitations and some memory loss, which has caused him to realize he is coming to the end of his life.

“Ethel, Thayer’s wife, who is played by another VTG regular, Linda Hadala, on the other hand is a compete optimist,” Newell said, but through it all the couple have managed to have a meaningful marriage.

“Ethel never gives up on her husband,” Newell said, adding that “On Golden Pond” is a play where “love triumphs.”

Newell said he has a dream cast for the production, which in addition to Miller and Hadala includes Andrea Fairchild, who will play the couples daughter Chelsea, Steven Lloyd as Charlie, Wes Cowan as Billy Ray and Mitch Cochran as Bill.

Amy Melton is serving as co-director of the play since this is Newell’s first attempt at directing a show.

“Bobby wanted to direct this play and asked me if I would help,” Melton said.

“He had seen this play and was so passionate about it. He wanted to take the full reins, so I just gave him pointers,” she said.

Being a director has given me a new perspective of the job, like how you have to get actors to perform to your expectations while also letting them express themselves,” Newell said.

“I would probable do it again, just not right away.”

“On Golden Pond” is one the VTG’s main stage plays. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and will run Saturday and Nov. 11 and 12.

Matinee performances will be held beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 13. Tickets are $15, $10 for ages 65 and older and $8 for ages 12 and younger and are available at the VTG box office.

Advance tickets are available online at showclix.com/events/10243.

For more information, call 601-636-0471.