On Golden Pond Posts Provisional Closing Notice for June 26

Due to the illness of star James Earl Jones, the producers of the Tony Award-nominated revival of On Golden Pond will be posting a provisional closing notice today, Tuesday, June 21 for this Sunday, June 26.

Mr. Jones has been out of the show since last Wednesday, June 15 with pneumonia. Doctors' orders have kept him out of the show for the last 7 performances. Headlining with co-star Leslie Uggams, the legendary star is a major draw for the production, having earned rave reviews and a Tony Award nomination for his performance as the loveable curmudgeon Norman Thayer, Jr.

At the moment, it's unclear when Mr. Jones will be sufficiently recovered to return to the production, but according to his doctors, it won't be this week.

If later this week it becomes clear that he can return next week, the provisional closing notice will come down and the show will continue its run.

If he is unable to return next week, On Golden Pond will not be able to sustain additional weeks of losses and will close following this Sunday's matinee for a total of 19 previews and 93 regular performances at The Cort Theatre.

In a statement from the show's producer, Jeffrey Finn, he said "First and foremost, the entire On Golden Pond family is happy to know that James Earl Jones is expected to make a full recovery. We're optimistic that he'll be able to return to the show, but we also need to be realistic about the time it takes for anyone to recuperate from pneumonia. Ultimately, we had to take a hard look at the financial reality. No one wants to close this amazing production, and we're all eager to take down the provisional closing notice, but if he's unable to return in the near future, closing is our most financially responsible decision."

In Mr. Jones' absence, the role of Norman is being played by his standby, veteran Broadway actor Charles Turner.

Award-winning veteran actor Charles Turner has performed major roles on and Off-Broadway, in regional theaters and on film and television. His Broadway credits include productions of Twelfth Night, The Little Foxes and Caeser and Cleopatra. His many starring roles include Troy in Fences, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, the title role in Othello and The Man opposite Marian Seldes in The Play About the Baby, to name a few. Recent television credits include "Law & Order" and "The Dave Chappelle Show."