Malvern Festival Theatre
ON GOLDEN POND (Middle Ground Theatre Company)
Middle Ground Theatre Company present another mighty
fine production, this time with a revival of Ernest Thompson’s emotive On Golden
Pond. This 1978 off-Broadway play was turned into the immensely popular, Oscar
winning film in 1981, starring Henry and Jane Fonda and the delectable,
Katharine Hepburn.
The lone, mournful wail of the Loon calling to its
mate, on Golden Pond, evokes a true sense of the enduring love shared between
the play’s main characters, Ethel and Norman Thayer, a couple in their twilight
years spending another summer at their lakeside retreat. This particular summer
of 1978, while preparing for Norman’s 80th birthday, brings the
unexpected arrival of their prodigal daughter who leaves them with a gift that
will change the course of their lives forever.
Michael Lunney, not only directs an endearing
production, but also provides a stunning set, which, when twinned with the
atmospheric sound and lighting, creates a wonderfully enchanting idyll.
Stefanie Powers, fresh out of the celebrity jungle, does a superb impression of
Katherine Hepburn’s Ethel, who is plagued by creatures of the forest as well as
her infuriatingly pessimistic husband, brilliantly played by Richard Johnson.
The love, affection and tenderness these two characters share is remarkably
believable and what makes this production so watchable. Elizabeth Carling, as their
daughter, Chelsea, has incredible stage presence and is part of a great
supporting cast made up of Victoria May, Kasper Michaels, Graeme Dalling and
Tom Roberts.
This is a delightful tale that will whisk you away to
a gentler pace of life and tug on your heartstrings. Go and see it!
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