ON GOLDEN POND opened April 7, 2005 on Broadway to rave reviews.
"James Earl Jones is a POWERHOUSE, giving one of the finer performances of recent Broadway seasons. This is a rare and welcome opportunity to catch a bona fide star of the stage in peak form. It's especially moving. And trust me, you will laugh."
- Ben Brantley, The New York Times
"A touching and brave saga. With his burnished golden Voice of God, James Earl Jones gives a beautiful portrayal, and Leslie Uggams - soft-toned but sassy - is as perfect in her way as Jones, a figure of graceful reality. They are triumphant!"
- Clive Barnes, New York Post
"That great James Earl Jones is captivating, commanding and charismatic."
- Robert Dominguez, Daily News
"With warmth and such obvious pleasure, James Earl Jones becomes surrogate grandfather to each audience member. There are also winning turns from the lovely, earth Linda Powell , the elegant Peter Francis James , the charming Criag Bockhorn and the priceless Alexander Mitchell ."
- Elysa Gardner, USA Today
"James Earl Jones is at the top of his form as Norman in this loving production. We must thank whomever or whatever coaxed this magnificent actor back to the stage, where he began."
- Linda Winer, Newsday
"A surprisingly funny drama permeated with good humor and blessed by performances from two MARVELOUS veterans at their FINEST. The majestic James Earl Jones completely and effortlessly captures the essence of a grand old gent. He and the lovely Leslie Uggams are in easy synch."
- Michael Sommers, The Star-Ledger
"It is wonderful to have James Earl Jones back on the Broadway stage. Jones calls on his grandeur as a longtime star, and we believe his character totally. Welcome back, James Earl Jones ."
- Jacques le Sourd, The Journal News
Here's what critics are saying about the Kennedy Center pre-Broadway engagement of ON GOLDEN POND...
"James Earl Jones ignites the stage like something doused in kerosene. You can't take your eyes off of him. With his virile study of a lion at sunset, the actor is proving he remains a potent force to reckon with. Leslie Uggams offers a winningly-sunny turn, a gracious performance."
- Peter Marks, Washington Post
"ON GOLDEN POND gives theatergoers a chance to see one of America's great actors back on stage and it's an opportunity that should be taken. James Earl Jones' dominating stage presence and acting instincts have not diminished and it's a pleasure to see him work. Jones is known for his dramatic portrayals, but here he shows he has a gift for comedy as well. His barbed quips and comebacks are perfectly-timed, and in his deep, distinctive voice they are both funny and arresting. Make the most of it and see him perform. He is surrounded by a strong supporting cast: Leslie Uggams is effective and winning, Linda Powell gets the emotions just right and Craig Bockhorn is on the mark as Charlie, the Yankee accented mailman. Leonard Foglia's finely-tuned production plays smoothly on Ray Klausen's imaginative and evocative set."
- Douglas J. Keating, Philadelphia Inquirer
"Sometimes an evening in the theater is about more than just the play. The fact that James Earl Jones, with one of the most sonorous, recognizable voices of our time, has chosen ON GOLDEN POND to make his return to the stage after many years gives the work an iconic quality. Beautifully-directed by Leonard Foglia."
- Howard Kissel, New York Daily News
"Ernest Thompson's ON GOLDEN POND has always been a perfect vehicle for star turns. Along come James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams as the summering Thayers, and what an endearing couple they make. With his famous voice at full pitch, Jones offers a commanding presence. Uggams is startling, learning the role in only seven days and was truly convincing with only three previews under her belt. Leonard Foglia's sensitive direction allows the play's key moments to sparkle and the action to flow. Youngster Alexander Mitchell offers just the right momentum to launch this play into gear."
- Paul Harris, Variety
"The African-American casting works because these actors credibly convey their character's deep and intricate familial relationship. The casting may help diversify theater audiences, and this is indisputably a good thing. Alexander Mitchell is splendidly fresh as the outspoken, big-hearted boy Billy. Peter Francis James holds his own in his one-on-one scene with Jones. The bristling tensions and flashes of comic relief make this one of the production's most effective exchanges."
- J. Wynn Rousuck, Baltimore Sun
"James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams triumph in ON GOLDEN POND! Though the play has had many stagings since its premiere in 1979, no other production can compare to the caliber of this revival. Much of its appeal is the flawless direction and brilliant vision of director Leonard Foglia and the triumphant performances by James Earl Jones, Leslie Uggams and Linda Powell, who have transformed the drama into one of the richest and most engaging plays of the decade. Jones gives not only one of the most compelling performances of his career, but also one of the best of the theatrical season. Leslie Uggams is perfect opposite Jones. She's magnificent. Linda Powell is the perfect choice as Chelsea. ONE GOLDEN POND has the makings of a record-breaking hit, and it's the perfect choice for anyone who appreciates an evening of great theater!"
- Marc Warren, Baltimore Afro-American
"Sometimes a role fits an actor the way the glass slipper fits on Cinderella's foot. Such is the case with James Earl Jones and his character, Norman Thayer. Leslie Uggams is excellent and Alexander Mitchell is particularly strong as Billy. Don't miss ON GOLDEN POND, an appealing play with much heart and a showcase for great acting!"
- Betsy Karmin & Manny Strauss, Washington Theater Review
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