On Golden Pond
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MainStage Irving-Las Colinas
On Golden Pond
by Ernest Thompson
My thoughts on On Golden Pond or…from here to eternity
When I first saw the film upon which On Golden Pond is based, I was too young to fully appreciate its message. Though I don’t think I’ve ever seen it again, all I could see and hear as I was watching Evan Faris as Norman and Mary Margaret Pyeatt as Ethel were Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda…for about five minutes.
After those initial minutes passed, I was under the spell of Director Michael Serrecchia’s On Golden Pond and totally captivated by Faris and Pyeatt. It takes guts and quite a bit of skill to step into roles that are identified with Hollywood royalty. Faris and Pyeatt are more than up to the challenge. Faris imbues Norman, elderly retired professor, with cantankerous, quick-witted charm and it is great fun to watch the wily Norman outwit characters half his age. Faris is also capable of touching our hearts as his Norman slowly learns to love his adult daughter Chelsea.
Who wouldn’t love Ethel Thayer as portrayed by Pyeatt? I loved Pyeatt’s energy as Ethel. She’s vivacious, agile, fun loving, and puts up with that “Old Poop” Norman that she’s been married to for years. Pyeatt gives Ethel an “I love life” gusto that is irresistible.
Norman and Ethel’s story plays out in their Maine cabin that is beautifully rendered and detailed by Joseph Cummings and there is exquisite lighting from Elizabeth Ross that not only highlights scenes, but changes with the time of day. I could never quite establish what era the story is set in. I was sure it was the 70’s until Norman said his brother died in 1988, but Chelsea’s hair and clothes look 70’s or possibly early 80’s. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter much.
Speaking of Chelsea, Dayna Fries is terrific as the Thayer’s daughter. Fries makes Chelsea as headstrong as her father yet gives her vulnerability at the same time. She has lived with a cold, distant father for 42 years and is determined to break down the wall between them.
I really enjoyed Jake Shanahan as Charlie Martin, the mailman who had a crush on Chelsea. I’ve spent a lot of time in the state of Maine and Shanahan comes across as a true Mainer, right down to his corny exclamations. Shanahan has such an appealing presence and winning demeanor as Charlie that I think I smiled through his scenes and wish there had been more of them.
Congratulations to Ehren Hartz who plays Chelsea’s love interest Bill. It was Hartz’s first time on stage and he handled the role admirably. Hartz was particularly good in his scene with Norman. He meets the old man head on and wins his respect.
There’s another Hartz here, and yes, they are closely related. Wyatt Hartz aka Boy Wonder plays Billy Ray, Bill’s son. Billy, like his dad, will take nothing off Norman and Norman eventually becomes a friend and grandfather figure to Billy. It is life changing for both of them. This is the fifth time I have seen young Wyatt Hartz on stage and this kid is never less than sensational. His scenes with Faris are some of the best in the production.
Director Serrecchia has directed On Golden Pond with a loving hand and lets this story of intergenerational differences, family conflicts, aging, and the power of love pour over you like a welcome breeze. You will enjoy spending the summer in Maine with Norman and Ethel.
