ON GOLDEN POND

by

Don Gillis
Little Rhody Entertainment Writer

 On Golden Pond is the Community Players current offering in their 87th season. Norman Thayer, Jr. is celebrating his 80th birthday, while his wife Ethel is a few years behind him.  They have been coming to the same summer cottage in Maine for many years, however this visit has a different feel to it.  Written by Ernest Thomson, the play has received many awards, and has toured, been on Broadway and Off, and made into a movie with Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn.  Those who are reading this review will probably have seen one of these productions. 

When choosing a production to direct that has such a legacy about it, the director must have a talented cast .  Margaret (Peggy) Pires has done just that.  She has chosen to cast probably the two best veteran actors around, Richard Wilbur as Norman, and Cathy Fox as Ethel. What a dynamic team.!  From the moment the lights go up,  until the scene at the end, the audience is drawn into the lives of these two characters. Richard and Cathy have the chemistry to pull your heartstrings and make for an outstanding night of theater. A supporting cast consisting of Dan Fisher, Stacey Veroni, Cameron Marcotte, and Daniel Kirby bring this production to the five star rating you see below.

Richard Wilbur is fantastic as the old man . He occupies his mind by looking at the classified ads for a job, and some of them he reads aloud are a scream. He walks with a slow gate when he moves about the stage,  usually looking for his hat, or bothering his long suffering wife.  Richard has the facial expressions, and acting ability to bring this character to life.  His heart attack scene toward the end is well executed - very believable. He has the funniest lines in this play and he makes the most of them.  Richard is a  veteran performer who will tug at your heartstrings while making you laugh.  He has nailed this character down pat.  The walk, facial expressions, line delivery, comic timing - its all there - what a talent.!! 

Catherine Fox (Cathy) is another fine  veteran actress  in her role as Ethel Thayer,  the long suffering wife taking care of her "old poop" husband.  She nurtures him, and you can feel the love she has for her husband in every scene.  She is especially good when talking with her daughter Chelsea's relationship with her father.  Cathy is well known in theater, and  I believe this role was made for her.  She is a gem.  I loved her performance!

Dan Fisher plays Charlie, the mailman who comes to the old summer resort by boat to deliver the mail.  He had a crush on Chelsea when they were younger, but Chelsea refused to reciprocate.  He still has feelings for her and is crushed when she informs him of her marriage.  Dan plays the role well with an infectious laugh and  his comfort level on stage is evident. 

Chelsea Thayer played by Stacey Veroni (who is Margaret Pires' daughter in real life)  is a pivotal character in this play. She has been in constant conflict with her father.  Chelsea comes to the summer resort to ask if they would take care of her fiancée's son Billy, while they went on  vacation.  Stacey has some dynamic scenes, especially with the confrontation with her father.  They finally resolve their differences and to watch her play it out was intensifying. 

Cameron Marcotte plays Billy Ray Jr. who is Chelsea's fiancée's son.  The young teenager is from Los Angeles and is a smart ass kid who tries to taunt Norman.  He ultimately is unsuccessful, and Norman and he become friends, go fishing, and have talks about what young teens do for fun.  There is an amusing scene where they are talking about girls and has the audience laughing at their remarks. Cameron is just a teen, but according to his bio he has been acting for the past eight years so his presence on stage is a natural one.  His credentials are quite interesting as he has started his own theatre company.

The love of Chelsea's life , Bill Ray is played quite nicely by Daniel Kirby who has been in theater for many years.  This is the first time I have seen him in a non-musical and I was impressed by his performance.  He was especially good in the scene with Norman when they were first introduced.  Just his body language portrayed the tension during this meeting.

The set design by Victor Turenne and his crew brings to life the cottages in Maine.  The set pieces used are authentic with a beautiful fireplace painted and designed by Brian Mulvey. The production team should be very proud of this outstanding piece of local theatre.  The audience gave them a well deserved standing  ovation at the conclusion of the show. 

Rating

The Community Players
ON GOLDEN POND 
Jenks Jr HS Auditorium, Pawtucket, RI
February 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 2008
Fridays - Saturdays - 8 pm   ---   Sunday matinee - 2 pm

RESERVATIONS

(401) 726-6860