ON GOLDEN POND
Written by Ernest Thompson
Directed by Leigh Wyatt Moore
Produced by Allen Contemporary Theatre
Ernest Thompson examines the connection between life and art in his timeless classic ON GOLDEN POND. In two short acts, Thompson dives into the human condition in its universality. Whether you’re on the verge of becoming an adult, struggling to be your adult self, or realizing time is finite, you will find yourself at home in this lovely summer cottage in Maine.
Budd Mahan and Mary Tiner bring to life Norman and Ethel Thayer. Well-known among area theatre-goers, Mahan and Tiner are consummate actors who become the characters they portray. Mahan’s Norman is acerbic, cranky and morbid. Tiner’s Ethel is a feisty counterpoint to her husband and his safe harbor. The Thayers are spending their 48th summer together at their cottage ON GOLDEN POND in Maine, as Norman’s 80th birthday approaches. Their adult daughter Chelsea (Sara Jones) attends the party after years of absence. Jones blends the pain of Chelsea’s childhood wounds with an eager, if nervous, optimism for the future.
Accompanying Chelsea for the birthday visit is her new boyfriend, Bill Ray (Russell Sims). Sims’ moments of physical comedy are hilarious. From his fear of wildlife around the cottage to his reactions to the tortuous “meet the father” moments, Sims evokes laughter and sympathy. Billy Ray, Jr., the 13-year old son of Ray, is also in tow and ends up being the best birthday present ever for Norman. Joshua Brown delights as Billy Ray, quickly bonding with both Norman and Ethel while Bill and Chelsea go on vacation. Completing the cast is Ken Schwartz as Charlie Martin, the mailman who delivers the mail by boat to the summer cottages. Schwartz’ Maine accent and chortling laugh make Charlie the perfect would-be suitor for Chelsea.
Essential to the success of this production is the set, which was designed by Eddy Herring and Leigh Wyatt Moore, with Scenic Painting by Kasey Bush. If this cottage were an Air BnB it would be continuously booked. John Farmer and Jim Richmond worked as Build Crew. Richard Stephens, Sr. created the Sound Design which had several couples holding hands or nudging shoulders. Lighting Design was done by Greg Cotton and Melinda Cotton. Melinda Cotton serves as Light Operator for the run, with Greg Cotton as Sound Operator.
Director Leigh Wyatt Moore has assembled a very talented cast and crew for this production. In her director’s note, she calls it one of her favorite plays pointing out that she prefers directing plays about relationships. Relationships are definitely the heart of ON GOLDEN POND. This production places relationships front and center and allows us to see that relationships are indeed, the heart of everything. Every time the curtain goes up, whatever stage we find ourselves on, what matters is our relationships.
ON GOLDEN POND continues through October 22nd at Allen Contemporary Theatre, 1210 E. Main Street #300, Allen, Texas 75002. Tickets are available through the box office 844-822-8849, or the website at Allencontemporarytheatre.net. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and Sundays at 3 pm. Seating is limited, make your reservations now.
Experience Live Theater!
Glynda Welch
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes including 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
ASL Performances: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performances: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: None of note
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