On Golden Pond (Tour)

[WilliamT]

On Golden Pond (Tour)#0

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:50am

Last night I had the pleasure of watching a final dress rehearsal for the new On Golden Pond tour that is launching from St. Paul's Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Norman - Tom Bosley
Ethel - Michael Learned
Charlie Martin - Craig Bockhorn
Billy Jr. - Shadoe Alan Brandt
Chelsea - Kate Levy
Bill - Evan Pappas

Aside from a few minor glitches the show was very good and a refreshing change from the rather large amount of musicals I've been seeing lately.

The set, however simple, is quite beautiful. The backdrop picture frame of "Golden Pond" is brought to life with some really nice lighting. I thought a few things got lost when played out on the porch area, but the production, overall, was expertly directed by Leonard Foglia.

Ms. Learned and Mr Bosly need to settle into their roles, but they had a great chemistry. I'm not sure how old Ethel is supposed to be, exactly since the say she's in her 60's when the mention he is in his 70's. I take that to be a joke, because later they reveal that he is in his 80's. Which would make her in her 70's??? I think. She didn't seem to be in her 70's. Very youthful and playful. Which I think the character requires, true, but you know Ethel is supposed to be older. I didn't feel that from Ms. Learned.

I think this combo is a better match with each other and the piece then the previously announced Haley Mills & Richard Chamberlin.

Craig Bockhorn as Charlie Martin was a riot. He captured the regionalisms of Charlie very well.

Shadoe Alan Brandt as Billy Jr. seemed light on his feet to be the brash, anked riddin child he is to start out as. But in order to move this character along and allow for his transition while not critical to the story, Bradnt is perfect. You see that child who is just slightly misguided and it makes for a believable turn at the end.

Kate Levy as Chelsea was decent. I had a hard time believing she grew up under the same roof as the parents we saw before us. The hardened exterior was there. The professional woman, succeeding in life was there. But certain aspects of a child and their life remain after life changes. She seemed almost European to me. And for those of you that see this in the future, confirm something for me: When she makes her first entrance, is it after the horn honk or before? I think she jumped her cue, came out, wandered around outside then walked off stage, THEN the car honked and she entered again and repeated the action. I wasn't completely paying attention so I'm not sure how it's supposed to go down. (I love seeing final dress rehearsals!)

Evan Pappas as Bill - Very comfortable in the role. I loved his confrontation of Norman. Spot on!

Mr Bosly is a great Norman! I worry about his longevity with the show. Not to be rude, but how old is he? I'd never seen him live before so that was a treat! Ms. Learned was in the Twin Cities last fall doing a show at the Guthrie Lab, so it was great to see her again.

I highly recommend this show to everyone! I wasn't going to see it, but I'm glad I did. I may even go back to see it with a real audience.

[ashley0139]

re: On Golden Pond (Tour)#1

Posted: 8/22/06 at 9:37am

Thanks for the review! I have been very interested in this lately as my aunt went to college and still keeps in touch with one of the cast members.

"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife