Norman is a grumpy old man. He’s nearing the end of his life, almost 80, and what’s it worth anyway? Life is no fun.
He’s fortunate to have a cheering, enthusiastic wife, Ethel, who’s always helping and encouraging him to look on the bright side of things, why doncha for a change?
After all, here they are again at their lovely summer home in Maine with outdoor scenery to match what surely must be heaven with tall, sweeping pines to reach the clouds, trees which edge the shoreline of the lake whose water movements do seem to wave every now and then (in a set design by Vincent Worthington).
The scene offers beauty and serenity as peaceful as anyone can imagine (to contrast with friction between dad and child soon to screen).
This environment is all part of On Golden Pond presented by the Vienna Theatre Company at the Vienna Community Center, the play certain to remind those of a certain age of the 1981 movie by the same name which followed the play and starred Jane Fonda with her father, Henry Fonda, and Katherine Hepburn, the daughter and father experiencing their own interpersonal struggles in real life.
At the show, nothing seems to be working right now for Norman (Michael Mehaffey), not even that confounded screened door, constantly falling off its hinges, much like Norman himself.
"We're not getting any younger, Ethel!"
He’s fortunate to have a cheering, enthusiastic wife, Ethel, who’s always helping and encouraging him to look on the bright side of things, why doncha for a change?
After all, here they are again at their lovely summer home in Maine with outdoor scenery to match what surely must be heaven with tall, sweeping pines to reach the clouds, trees which edge the shoreline of the lake whose water movements do seem to wave every now and then (in a set design by Vincent Worthington).
The scene offers beauty and serenity as peaceful as anyone can imagine (to contrast with friction between dad and child soon to screen).
This environment is all part of On Golden Pond presented by the Vienna Theatre Company at the Vienna Community Center, the play certain to remind those of a certain age of the 1981 movie by the same name which followed the play and starred Jane Fonda with her father, Henry Fonda, and Katherine Hepburn, the daughter and father experiencing their own interpersonal struggles in real life.
At the show, nothing seems to be working right now for Norman (Michael Mehaffey), not even that confounded screened door, constantly falling off its hinges, much like Norman himself.
"We're not getting any younger, Ethel!"
Hold it!
Well here comes their daughter, Chelsea (Deena Walter) stopping by to wish her old man a happy birthday, accompanied by her fiancé, Bill (Will Jarred) who's towing his teenaged son, Billy (Matteo Hope).
"Oh, say! Mom and Dad, would you mind watching Billy for a few days while we take off for Europe?"
Gulp, sure daughter, not exactly what we had in mind for our stay here, but whatever makes you happy! Don't mind us.
Turns out, Billy is the gift that keeps on giving, who turns Norman's key to more spring in his step. While the lovebirds are off galavanting across the pond, Billy and Norman are developing their own repartee which becomes the subject of envy when Chelsea returns to Maine and tries to improve her relationship with her dad who's a tad lost.
Director Terri Ritchey has no trouble convincing the audience that Mehaffey's droll and gait make him certifiably "old," while his mate, the energetic and sunny Carolyn Corsano Wong, shines as the opposite.
Zell Murphy is the longtime friend and postman, Charlie, who drops in every so often to reminisce about old times and lighten the mood which, like life, has its ups and downs.
Shayne Gardner is the dynamic telephone operator.
Shayne Gardner is the dynamic telephone operator.
Whatever your age and your spirits, they will be brightened by the message found at this summer home: To count your blessings, hug your loved ones, and celebrate each day as if it were the last which Norman realizes before it is.
Other production team members are Reece Smyth and Pete Storck, producers; Erika Horton and Bob Jordan, co-directors; Sprite Briner, make up and hair; Linda Comer,
properties; Jason Crosby,master carpenter;
Peter Ponzini, lighting; David Ritchey, stage manager; Sue Ellen Smoot, set dressing; Lelah Sullivan, costumes; Wil Taft, sound; Steven Wong, back stage manager; and the playwright, Ernest Thompson.
On Golden Pond is presented Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through November 5, 2023 at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 255-6360. Tickets, $15. For more information: vtcshows@yahoo.com
patricialesli@gmail.com
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