A Fond Visit: On Golden Pond at Masquerade Theatre
by Lori Caplan Clark
When asked to review On Golden Pond which opened Friday, September 20 at Masquerade Theatre, I leapt at the chance. The movie version, released in 1981, remains one of my all-time favorites, so this was an assignment that I certainly looked forward to!
The play, On Golden Pond, was written in 1979 by Ernest Thompson, and focuses on Ethel and Norman Thayer, an aging couple who spend their summers on a lake called Golden Pond. During this summer, their adult daughter Chelsea comes to visit with her fiancé Billy Ray and his teenaged son Billy Ray Jr. The play explores the family dynamics, and the challenges faced by a couple in their twilight years.
Stepping into Masquerade, I was warmly welcomed by a delightful chocolate aroma (thanks to a neighboring business), and owners Megan Balne, who serves as Artistic Director, and Managing Director/Lighting Designer, Tommy Balne, who escorted me the black box space that has served beautifully as their theatre since 2022. Instead of stepping into the back of the theatre and selecting our seat, I am instead led to enter through the front of the space, having to literally walk through Norman and Ethel Thayer’s living room on Golden Pond in the beginning of a summer in Maine.
The set, with its clean and simple lines, was well thought out, and featured a worn big old comfy couch, and well-appointed detail which was unexpected in the small space. The proximity of the audience to the performance space successfully brings the audience right into the living room of this loving, perfectly imperfect family.
As expected, the cast delivered. Michael Hicks as Norman Thayer was grumpy yet lovable, and was masterful at delivering the deadpan sarcasm that made this character so memorable in the 1980 film adaptation by Henry Fonda. His on-stage chemistry with the miraculous Phyllis Josephson as Ethel was palpable and believable. For her part, Josephson brought a sunny contrast to Hick’s character, that left you rooting for her and wishing that she was part of your own family.
The supporting players delivered as well. Mason Traynor turned in a strong performance as Billy Ray, Jr, holding his own (and then some) among a cast of more seasoned actors. Samantha Wentz’ delivered a fine performance as their daughter Chelsea and brought in a distinctive modernity in comparison to the quaintness of the Maine summer house; Matt Dell’Olio was particularly impressive as Bill Ray, Chelsea’s fiancé, and his scene with Norman provided some of the most awkward, cringey and funny scenes of the show. Finally, Joe Heim, brought a touching sweetness to his earnest character, Charlie Mann, who has carried a torch for Chelsea since their youth.
Director, Scott Reynolds’ staging and vison was commendable. I particularly enjoyed the sound design that was powerfully employed and helped to weave realism into the vignette. The authenticity was enhanced by seeing the actors carry on through the normal responsibilities and challenges that homeownership (particularly of an older worn vacation home) entails. Ethel was in almost constant motion --- cleaning, organizing, wiping, even bug killing --- while Norman was decidedly (and believably) not at all helpful as he sat on the couch or tinkered with his fishing rod. The relationships between the characters were equally well tended. The discomfort between Chelsea and Norman, the charming buddy story between Norman and Billy, the unconditional love of a mother and her daughter, and of course, most palpably the enduring love of a couple that has spent a lifetime together.
One minor point of confusion for me was the time setting of the piece. It seemed to be set in the present day based on the costuming and some dialogue references. However, since the script was written in 1979, it might have been acceptable to leave this story in that era. The story is universal, and its themes remain relevant.
In the show program, Masquerade’s mission is expressed as "Exploring the humanity beneath the mask." Watching this production, it became clear to me that Masquerade has quickly established itself as a vibrant home for theatre creatives, providing a space where they can authentically explore and celebrate the nuances of the human experience. As Director Scott Reynolds poignantly noted in his program message, reflecting on a particularly impactful moment during rehearsals, “it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do in theater: to explore the human heart.” This production truly exemplifies that mission, inviting us all to connect with the stories that shape our lives.
On Golden Pond runs now through Saturday, September 28. You can purchase your tickets here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/on-golden-pond-tickets-179250
