Ernest Thompson’s On Golden Pond is probably most famous as the 1981 film version starring Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda. But the much-loved story originally appeared as a Broadway play in 1979 and it is in this form that it has been produced and enjoyed hundreds of times at theatres large and small all over the world.
For me, seeing Hendricks Civic Theatre’s production, thoughtfully directed by Doug Davis, was a bit like visiting an old friend again. The play is a familiar one, having seen and directed it in the past, but also – good friends Larry Adams and Susan Hill appear here as Norman and Ethel Thayer. Both give excellent performances.
Larry Adams at Norman Thayer and Susan Hill as his wife Ethel in On Golden Pond, on stage now at Hendricks Civic Theatre through April 23. (Photo by Andy Janning)
Larry Adams is nowhere near Norman’s 80 years of age, but he filled the time-gap with facial and physical mannerisms that calibrate his performance well. The role has some of the best laugh lines an actor could ask for and Adams takes the proper unforced low-ball approach in his top-level portrayal scoring big and often on humor.
Susan Hill fills the role of Ethel with graceful and measured traits. Her Ethel is real – full of joie de vivre, exasperated patience, motherly wisdom, and a loving heart.
On Golden Pond is above all a love story and this twosome couples well to provide an expressive and emotional telling of how age and affection are still very strong partners.
The show’s supporting cast also deserves high marks. Aaron Moon is a wonderful Charlie Martin, the Thayers’ long-time mailman. Thompson’s script gives Charlie a wonderful framework, and Moon has built a fully thought-out characterization, from the way Charlie laughs, to his lack of depth, to the way he gossips, eats biscuits, and drinks coffee. Likewise, Valerie Nowosielski’s rendering of the Thayers’ daughter Chelsea is full and multilayered, as she handles a role that is stocked with a variety of deep emotions. Bart Jones and Eli Neal complete the cast as Bill Ray and his son Billy. Both actors are in very good form in the smaller roles.
Bottom line: The finished product resulting from Director Davis and his cast’s good work is an excellent show (presented on Davis’ outstanding set design) and is well-worth the drive to Danville’s Longstreet Playhouse. Highly recommended!
Hendricks Civic Theatre’s On Golden Pond continues Thursday, April 20 through Sunday, April 23. Ticket information is available at HendricksCivic.com.
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