The loons have been calling to theatergoers since Ernest Thompson’s Maine-inspired family drama, “On Golden Pond,” first premiered on Broadway in 1979. The 1981 film version starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda tops the list of most endearing films for many moviegoers.
The Footlights Theatre’s latest take on the classic offers a heartwarming look at family, love and the importance of living each day to the fullest.
Cindy O’Neil and Vin Brown star as retirees Ethel and Norman Thayer in The Footlights Theatre’s “On Golden Pond.” Photo courtesy of The Footlights Theatre
Cindy O’Neil and Vin Brown star as retirees Ethel and Norman Thayer, a couple celebrating their 43rd summer on Golden Pond and Norman’s 80th birthday. Recent heart problems have left Norman with a morbid fascination with death, and memory issues have worsened his curmudgeonly demeanor.
Despite Norman’s off-putting behavior, there’s clearly a lot of years of love and familiarity between Norman and his vibrant 69-year-old wife.
O’Neil and Brown have a sweet onstage chemistry that brings a smile as their characters chide each other with playful endearments and one-line zingers. The pair perform with the ease of a couple that has been together for years.
In reality, O’Neil and Brown had only seven days to forge the lifelong relationship. When the actor originally cast as Norman had to drop out of the show, 70-year-old Brown took over the role, which he hadn’t previously performed.
Isaac Dinnerstein helps further flesh out the family dynamics, providing a surrogate three-generation gap that offers both entertaining fodder and touching moments. Photo courtesy of The Footlights Theatre
Much of the play’s drama centers around Norman and his 42-year-old daughter Chelsea, played by Kelly Caufield. Chelsea resents Norman for making her feel inadequate and only reluctantly comes to Golden Pond to celebrate Norman’s birthday — her fiancé, Bill Ray (Mark Calkins), and his 13-year-old son (Isaac Dinnerstein) in tow.
Caufield brings heart to the role, straddling an emotional line between hurt little girl and bitter adult. Calkins and Dinnerstein further flesh out the family dynamics, providing a surrogate three-generation gap that offers both entertaining fodder and touching moments.
Mark Calkins plays Chelsea’s fiancé, Bill Ray. Photo courtesy of The Footlights Theatre
The Footlights Theatre’s Michael J. Tobin rounds out the cast, bringing New England flair as the Thayers’ mailman, Charlie Martin. His boisterous portrayal keeps the play’s tone light and colorful.
Along with playing Charlie, Tobin directs “On Golden Pond” and serves as the play’s lighting, sound and set designer. He has crafted a winsome set that captures the nostalgic setting with an eye-catching array of props, including a rustic décor, fireplace and an old-fashioned dial phone.
“On Golden Pond” has been charming audiences for 37 years, and The Footlights Theatre’s rendition keeps up the tradition. It’s witty, timeless and full of heart.
April Boyle is a freelance writer from Casco. Contact her at:
aprilhboyle@yahoo.com
Twitter: @ahboyle
Copy the Story LinkSend questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.