By Courtney Damae
Marking 40 years since Ernest Thompson’s 1979 play, On Golden Pond, presented at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo, Utah, is anything but outdated. The Covey Center is known for its larger productions hosted in the Main Hall; however, they opt for the Black Box Theater to preserve the intimacy and almost sacredness of Thompson’s On Golden Pond. The play opens in the modest lake home of aging Norman and Ethel Thayer (played by Rick Macy and Janice Power). Norman and Ethel have spent every summer together since their marriage, enjoying the quiet lake, the soothing calls of the loons, and their ever-blooming romance. However, the years have still taken their toll on Norman and Ethel’s life, and the audience is lucky enough to get a glimpse into the challenges and joys that surround this couple. In later acts, Chelsea (Michelle Andersen), Ethel and Norman’s only daughter, and her boyfriend Bill (Dave Benhardt Biesinger) come to visit, bringing along Bill’s son Billy Jr. (Ethan Thornton). This adds a whole new dynamic to this elderly couple’s summer, seeing as the only company they ever seem to have—besides each other—is their lovable and dim-witted mailman, Charlie (Reese Purser).
Macy‘s portrayal of Norman is flawless. His humorous obsession with death is quick and witty—he doesn’t miss a beat. It is quite a challenge to believe that Macy is even playing a character. His physical choices, vocal intricacies, and facial expression are as consistent as they can be, but his affection for Ethel is quite possibly Norman’s most endearing characteristic. Macy‘s interaction with Power is heart-wrenching, romantic, and even humorous at times. Power is as quirky and lovable as they come. She glides across the stage with grace and warmth, while her smooth voice soothes the audience and invites all to partake of her goodness. Her adoration of Norman is charming and real as she either comforts him in his moments of fear, teases him out of love, or chides him softly when his quips concerning death become excessive.
Purser as Charlie the mailman brings a little bit too much clamor to the Thayers, according to Norman, but just the right amount according to the audience. Purser‘s booming voice is a perfect fit for this friendly giant. The expert way Charlie’s outrageous-yet-controlled personality contrasts with the calm Golden Pond makes him an audience favorite. This character’s fondness for Andersen‘s Chelsea is understandable when we meet Norman and Ethel’s kind-hearted and beautiful daughter. It’s obvious from the moment Andersen enters that her character is more complicated than the surface suggests. Her ability to connect with Ethel is uncanny, while the mysterious distance between her and Norman is intriguing. Along with Andersen come Biesinger and Thornton, playing Bill and Billy Jr. Bill is obviously out of place on Golden Pond, and the audience senses it from the start. Biesinger succeeds wonderfully in characterizing a spoiled city man with a kind heart and a throbbing love for Chelsea. He has the audience practically rolling on the floor when he speaks with Macy about some of the uncomfortable subjects that must be brought up between soon-to-be father-in-law and soon-to-be son-in-law. His son Billy Jr. is the typical teenager who somehow makes his way into the Thayers’ hearts—and the audience’s as well. Thornton is adorable while keeping with the rebellious teenager theme, and his quips with Norman are comedic to say the least.
In this production of On Golden Pond, the combined efforts of Pam Cluff and Robert Seely (Production Design), as well as Spencer Powell, Michael Larson, Rem White, Ryan Corless, and Jeff Owens (Scenic and Prop Construction) created a set to perfectly reflect the Thayers’ lifestyle. Their home is furnished with simple chairs and tables but adorned with symbolic photos and games that allow the audience to learn who the Thayers are before the show even begins. Chelsea Mortensen’s costumes play beautifully on the simplicity of Norman and Ethel’s lifestyle. Kathy Curtiss, Tristin Smith, and Adam Taylor (Director, Assistant Director, and Stage Manager respectively) have seamlessly worked together to create a beautiful story that will forever be ingrained in my memory. On Golden Pond is a wonderful production that will touch the hearts of all ages, so go and be a part of the Thayer family before the show passes on.
Covey Center for the Arts presents On Golden Pond, by Ernest Thompson
425 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601
July 11-Aug 3, 2019, 7:00 PM
Tickets: $14-$16
Contact: 801-857-7007
Covey Center for the Arts website
Covey Center for the Arts Facebook Page
On Golden Pond Facebook Event
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