Ernest Thompson’s earnest reflection on aging, renewal, and family reconciliation—otherwise known as the 1979 play (and 1981 movie) On Golden Pond—carries heartfelt messages of everyday life that still resonate with, well, pretty much everyone.
The rocky but rewarding relationship between parents and children, as the former mature in age and the latter mature in wisdom, is explored at Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre in as much depth as a two-hour-plus-intermission production can.
Director Jonathan Shadrach, true to his program note that this story must be told “with finesse, not flash,” keeps his actors contained, allowing the audience to enjoy their vocal delivery and nuanced acting with little fanfare, but with believable emotional range.
Ed Cardoza, playing tough and gruff but with an occasional twinkle in his eye, is Norman, the 80-year-old who is beginning to show his age. Mary-Ann Maloof as his spouse of 48 years Ethel, petite in stature but a great force to be reckoned with, continues to show off her ability (also evident in her recent role as Linda in Death of a Salesman at CCAT) to be the center who holds everyone together and tells it like it is.
Supporting players Megan Fugate and Moorea Prunty hold their own representing the younger generations (although Prunty’s “outrageous” language for a 13-year-old can only be called “quaint” in this day and age). It’s Greg DeMartini and Ryan Treller who, with their expressive, insightful, and at times joyful acting, lighten the drama by providing some uplifting and satisfying moments. Kudos to DeMartini for doing double-duty as stage manager as well . . . community theatre people are some of the most collegial and congenial people in the world to work with.
The minimalistic set (designed by Russell Snow) featuring a bucolic lakeside cabin on the aptly-named Golden Pond is appropriate, as is the costume design by Bryce Prunty. Sound designer Joe Crowley makes the most of the vintage music accompanying the scene changes (Andy Williams, anyone?), and makes the off-stage loons on the lake come alive.
The piece does show its age, however, on occasion spouting some now-less-than-politically-correct musings about race and gender. It might seem an acceptable portrayal for an octogenarian in the 1970s, but in the 2020s it’s a bit jarring to hear, especially from the main character who is a retired university professor.
On Golden Pond, playing through November 10 at Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, is a thoughtful, well-rounded production that asks audiences to ponder if it’s ever too late to change, and gives some local actors a wonderful chance to shine.