ON GOLDEN PONDwowed the opening night audience at Starlight Dinner Theatre - standing ovation worthy. This excellent script has been revised/shortened by the author, Ernest Thompson. It still is not a short show, over two hours--but the time sails by because these actors feel so authentic.
Marty Underhill has discovered his irascible side as Norman, starting out grumpy and depressed, but with that redeemable warmth that blooms through under the sometimes impatient but loving eye of wife Ethel, well played by Laura Stebbins. Norman is obsessed with death as his birthday approaches.
The troubled relationship between Norman and his daughter Chelsea (Lisa Castle) adds another layer to the story, as she arrives with her dentist boyfriend Bill (David South) and his son Billy (Phineas Reed). Lisa is wonderful in this complicated role. So is Phineas, who grew from surly to charming during his stay with Norman and their bonding fishing trips.
As dad Ray, David South was an excellent surprise, new to theatre, but inhabiting his role like an experienced actor. Director Linda Granger has brought him up to speed to blende with her talented ensemble. Bobby Maldonado, as Charlie the mailman and erstwhile boyfriend of Chelsea could be called “comic relief” but he is still a real and believable member of this Golden Pond Community.
Also notable was Jim Lorenz’s “see-through” set, constructed by Jim and Bob Gehrls. It included all the accoutrements of a realistic “up north” cabin with invisible walls that showed the natural outdoor setting beyond.
Don’t miss this heartwarming and often funny play. It paints a relatable portrait of people dealing with the complications of family, mortality, and love.
On Golden Pond continues through May 5. The dinner is a tasty chicken rice dish at 6:30 - and “show only” tickets are also available. Details at http://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com
Marty Underhill has discovered his irascible side as Norman, starting out grumpy and depressed, but with that redeemable warmth that blooms through under the sometimes impatient but loving eye of wife Ethel, well played by Laura Stebbins. Norman is obsessed with death as his birthday approaches.
The troubled relationship between Norman and his daughter Chelsea (Lisa Castle) adds another layer to the story, as she arrives with her dentist boyfriend Bill (David South) and his son Billy (Phineas Reed). Lisa is wonderful in this complicated role. So is Phineas, who grew from surly to charming during his stay with Norman and their bonding fishing trips.
As dad Ray, David South was an excellent surprise, new to theatre, but inhabiting his role like an experienced actor. Director Linda Granger has brought him up to speed to blende with her talented ensemble. Bobby Maldonado, as Charlie the mailman and erstwhile boyfriend of Chelsea could be called “comic relief” but he is still a real and believable member of this Golden Pond Community.
Also notable was Jim Lorenz’s “see-through” set, constructed by Jim and Bob Gehrls. It included all the accoutrements of a realistic “up north” cabin with invisible walls that showed the natural outdoor setting beyond.
Don’t miss this heartwarming and often funny play. It paints a relatable portrait of people dealing with the complications of family, mortality, and love.
On Golden Pond continues through May 5. The dinner is a tasty chicken rice dish at 6:30 - and “show only” tickets are also available. Details at http://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com
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