Those three little words:

“On Golden Pond.”

At the center of Civic Theatre of Allentown’s splendid production of the stage classic are those “other” three little words you may have thought of first:

“I love you.”

Those three words are not always easy for some to say. For others, in our “inter-networking” culture, those three words are sometimes bandied about too easily.

In “On Golden Pond,” directed with thoughtful discretion by Williams Sanders, Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director, with Assistant Director Alex McComas, the emphasis is on both of the “three little words” phrases. Love, familial and otherwise, is found “On Golden Pond,” through Feb. 28 at Civic Theatre.

It’s time for the Thayers to undrape the furniture and reopen the house for their 48th New England summer at Golden Pond. Norman Thayer, Jr. (Barry Glassman) trundles down the living room staircase one step at a time and takes the short little steps of the elderly to the screen door, which promplty crashes off its hinges, symbolic of the conflict he has with his daughter Chelsea (Syd Stauffer), visiting the Maine summer house with her beau, Bill Ray (James Pfeffer), and his son, Billy Ray (Luke Raso).

Maintaining her own, and attempting to maintain her family’s, equanimity is Norman’s wife Ethel (Rebecca Engborg).

Ambling by amicably is the U.S. mailman, Charlie Martin (Troy Brokenshire).

With awareness, sensitivty and understanding, Sanders directs the play from the perspective of the 1979 play (actually set in 1978) by Ernest Thompson. A telephone with a land line, and a telephone operator, no less, who knows the Thayers by name; politically-incorrect 1970s slang and colorful language, and, of course, that mailman, set the show’s laconic tone. It’s a play of homilies and humor.

The easy-going (for the most part) production is enhanced by the cozy set design by Alexander Michaels, working with scenic artist Jan Joyce, with a wonderful tree-silhouetted backdrop; suffused with indirect lighting by Will Morris, along with his era-accurate costumes (khaki trousers and sweater vest for Norman; turtleneck and jacket for Ethel), hair and wigs by Kim Danish, and a collection of Norman’s hats by propmaster Jason Sizemore, and the lulling 360-degree sound of crickets and loons by sound designer Helena Confer (she also makes it “rain” in the theater, all via sound).

“On Golden Pond” reflects the golden years of a long-term marriage. It’s not always tranquil. Into each life, some rain must fall. Ethel thinks Norman is all wet, and he often is.

In some kind of way, Norman and Ethel are the ultimate “Odd Couple” or “Grumpy Old Married Couple.” And yet they are undeniably cute, have weathered the storms of married life and hung in there to return year after year to Golden Pond.

The dialogue, rife with gallows humor, is often wickedly insightful and frequently funny. “Are we going to quibble about this all afternoon?” asks Ethel. “We can if we like,” answers Norman.

The characterizations are very believable.

Glassman captures the irascibility of Norman in a way that is charming, amusing and not off-putting. Glassman gives a commanding performance that is as understated as it is powerful. Plus, he has superb timing. That’s key because Norman gets many of the best laugh lines.

It helps that Glassman has a fine counterpart in Engborg as Ethel. Engborg conveys the unflappability of a long suffering, yet decidedly independent, woman as easily as the breeze lofting off Golden Pond.

Stauffer is a quiet revelation as Chelsea. She yearns for her parents’ love and respect. Her mother seems indifferent. Her father seems distant. Stauffer brings to the role a strength to challenge the family status quo.

Pfeffer is staunch, his own man, as Bill in a face-off with the obstinate Norman. Pfeffer holds his own.

Raso is remarkable as Billy and brings a youthful vibrancy and innocence to the production. His scenes with Glassman are so memorable.

Brokenshire is the go-to guy for character roles and doesn’t disappoint. His accent is good and his mannerisms and, ahem, delivery, provide necessary comic relief.

Civic Theatre’s “On Golden Pond” is a play of gentle bemusement. It’s the confirmation that those three little words count, and can be counted on. The sound of the loons, rather than signaling a lonely someone, heralds family togetherness. Life goes on, “On Golden Pond,” and elsewhere.

“On Golden Pond,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 28, 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. Tickets: Civic Theatre Box Office, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown; CivicTheatre.com, 610-432-8943