The Loons Play The Public in ON GOLDEN POND

The loons have begun their pre-summer song at The Public Theatre in Lewiston, Maine as Ernest Thompson's dramedy, On Golden Pond, takes the stage starring theatre, film and TV actors (and real life couple), Mike Genovese and Ellen Crawford.

Christopher Schario, Director (and Artistic Director of The Public Theatre), chose the Broadway revival version of On Golden Pond, which I don't think is as good as the original, especially in the last scene of the show. Schario's blocking works well, his concept and character choices clear, however, I found the play to be more presentational than emotional and felt the conflictive arc was jagged.

Mike Genovese (Norman Thayer, Jr.) has impeccable timing and gives an over-the-top performance that took command of the stage from start to finish. Having never seen Norman performed quite this way, it took some getting used to but the end result worked well.

Ellen Crawford (Ethel Thayer) gives an energetic Broadway caliber performance. From her first "ol poop" to her last call to the loons, she never misses a beat. Her subtle hilarity compliments Genovese well. I have never experienced the role of Ethel performed with Crawford's choices, but I loved it and her.

Beth Hylton (Chelsea Thayer Wayne) did a good job with a difficult role. Unfortunately there were some acting and character choices made by either herself or the director that did not work, especially in her confrontational scenes with Ethel and Norman in act two.

Michael Hardart (Charlie Martin) warms the cockles of your heart with his infectious laugh and spot-on comedic timing. Perhaps the Maine accent isn't perfect, but his performance is.

Jefferson Slinkard (Bill Ray) is wonderful and very funny in his too-small role. His scene with Genovese is the best I've ever seen it performed.

Scott Venable (Billy Ray) lacked the polish and professionalism to be in an Equity production but did a good job keeping focused and "being a kid".

Unfortunately, because of the huge width of the Public stage, the set did not work for me. It lacked the intimacy of old-time charm and camp coziness that is prevalent in Maine. Set designer James Alexander should have put the porch to the stage left or right of the camp set instead of along the back wall, which would have made the living room smaller. The set was also missing the multitudes of memories that often adorn walls, tables and every crevice of summer camp. Although well constructed, it just didn't feel or look like a long-time family camp.

Lighting designer BArt Garvey gave little warmth to the set. His outside colors and gobo effects proved effective but never captured a daylight wash that resembled sunshine during the daylight hours. Everything looked sunset-like or evening darkness.

Sadly, the uncredited incidental music was totally wrong for the play, lacking that tranquil Golden Pond sound and transitional music to compliment the scene that just happened or is about to.

Annette L. Bourque, costume designer, did a wonderful job with her choices and execution. Lisa Bragdon, stage manager, kept the show tight and smooth.

The audience loved the show (a standing ovation) and well they should. I admit my critical eye almost teared up as the final song of the loons sang and the lights came down on a play. If you're looking for "the movie", this isn't it. If you're looking for a fun evening in the theater, then travel on over to Golden Pond at The Public Theatre, it's worth the trip.

 

On Golden Pond continues through May 13 at The Public Theatre, 31 Maple Street in Lewiston, ME. For tickets and information, call (207) 782-3200 or go to the publictheatre.org.

 

PHOTO: Mike Genovese and Ellen Crawford star in On Golden Pond at The Public Theatre in Lewiston, ME.