On Golden Pond
By Staff Writer
On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson is a simple story written about a simpler time. It is a story about parents getting older and the complicated relationships between fathers and daughters as well as husbands and wives. It is a story we can all relate to.
The action of the play takes place in a summer house on Golden Pond in the state of Maine. This has been Norman and Ethel Thayer's summer house for forty-five years. Norman and Ethel are still very much in love however not all of Ethel and Norman's memories are pleasant. Norman is a tough old man with a short fuse and virtually no verbal filter. He says whatever comes into his mind, no matter how hurtful or ridiculous. Ethel, played by Helene Benjamin, is used to Norman's antics and deals with them in a firm but loving manner. Much of the play involves the two of them ruminating on the past and how they have both become old without really noticing. Norman's health as well as his memory is obviously failing. This makes their trips down memory lane somewhat bitter sweet. As the play continues, the couple is joined by their daughter Chelsea and her new fiancée, Billy Ray as well as his son Billy Ray Jr. Norman and Ethel haven't seen Chelsea in eight years. It's clear that Chelsea and Norman have a disagreeable history.
I have to say this play could have left me feeling a little depressed were it not for the light manner in which the actors approached the material. Don Pearlman, who plays Norman, was lovable in every way despite the fact that his character really was an "old poop". Every time Pearlman entered the stage I was filled with a longing to give him a hug. I'm not sure if this is what the director, Rolland Petrello intended. I went back and re-watched the film version of On Golden Pond and found Henry Fonda's Norman to be a horrible old man with hardly any redeeming qualities. Indeed, the meaner Norman's character is, the easier it is to understand the character of Chelsea's uneasiness around him. If anything I wonder if perhaps Pearlman might be playing Norman a little too nice. That being said, I think that Pearlman brought a new dimension to the character that was distinct and interesting.
All of the actors pulled off their lines with ease and grace including the supporting cast. Michael German playing Charlie the mailman gave an endearing performance as the man who still holds a torch for his old girlfriend, Chelsea. I was especially impressed with his authentic Maine dialect. He turned it on just enough without going over the top or becoming incomprehensible.
The show seemed to really find its legs when Chelsea, played by Christine Zirbel arrived onstage accompanied by her new boyfriend Bill Ray played by Larkin Campbell and his precocious son Billy Ray Jr. played by Austin Miller. I was especially impressed with Campbell's performance. His portrayal of the newcomer to the family brought a different rhythm to the play. His head to head scene with Pearlman as he attempts to glean some humanity from his new father-in-law had the audience laughing with empathy and groaning with sympathy.
On Golden Pond is a great play that puts a magnifying glass on what it is to be an American family.
The High Street Arts Center is an adorable little building located at the end of Moorpark's historic High Street. I was told by the L.J Stevens, the general manager that the theater was built in 1927. Considering the dilapidated state of most theaters in Los Angeles and the Valley, I was wholly impressed with the obvious respect and TLC this eighty year old building has been given. The historic aspect of the area combined with the nature of the play, transported me to another time -- a time when attending the theater made for a delightful night out.
On Golden Pond plays until March 2nd every Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are 15$ and 12$ for students and seniors.