Review: 'On Golden Pond' at The Arts at Angeloria's

Southington, CT - ON GOLDEN POND is a beautiful play running at The Arts at Angeloria’s, a unique space on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Southington through Feb. 16. I was honored to be invited to enjoy this heartwarming piece during the closing weekend.

Director Peter Weidt bravely took on this “family drama with humor” as his first directorial experience, knowing that it was a work that is very special to Producer/Artistic Director Lori Holm (the Angeloria of Arts at Angeloria’s.) Kudos to Mr. Weidt on an inspired directorial debut.

“Even though the play was written in 1978 and went through updates over the years including changes made for the Oscar winning movie in 1980, the core themes of aging, love and forgiveness are still as relevant today as they were in the 1970’s. Ethel and Norman, a retired educator, have a long and loving relationship. They could be your own parents or friends making this play relevant no matter when or where it is performed.” - Director Peter Weidt

Set design and construction is credited to Ms. Holm, Larch Purinton and Peter Weidt; there are loads of details, including photographs of the cast’s family, holiday gatherings, friends, and important events in their lives. I have seen numerous well-designed sets at the small space that is the A@A blackbox, and this one is the best yet.

This carefully chosen cast brought the script written by Ernest Thompson to authentic life, working together to weave the story for the Valentine’s Day performance. The storytellers mastered the drama nicely and easily brought out the wonderful humor. Cliff Gibson made his first appearance on this stage in the complex role of Norman Thayer Jr. Mr. Gibson showed us the many layers of the curmudgeon, bringing many knowing smiles throughout his performance.

Equity actress Rosemary Howard gave a standout performance in the role of Norman’s wife Ethel. Ms. Howard writes that she returned to Southington for this role, where it all began with a play in the third grade; since then she has been seen in the works of M Night Shyamalan and other films available on Amazon or Netflix. She stepped so naturally into the important role of Ethel and kept us spellbound. Gina Davies, who discovered theatre in the first grade, recently returned to her home state of CT and makes her debut at the Arts at Angeloria in the role of Ethel and Norman’s daughter Chelsea. She also was a natural in the Jane Fonda role.

Dave Walton, whose film credits include the independent RIGHT FOOT LEFT FOOT, made his debut with A@A in the role of letter carrier Charlie Martin and Lou Oporto (NEWSIES, MAMMA MIA!, DISASTER and JOSEPH at the Warner) made his debut at this venue in the role of Bill Ray. Peter Carson, a seventh grade student at Dodd Middle School in Cheshire, stepped in at the last minute to take on the role of Billy Ray, Jr. and did well.

Chris Zajac was in charge of all things technical and pulled it all off seamlessly. Larch Purinton was responsible for the video special effects that brought the golden pond to the two windows. Ms. Holm was the stage manager and provided the voice of the telephone operator from backstage. Kim Turret was the costume mistress. The incidental music written and performed by Ed Rosenblatt was composed to evoke the tranquility inspired by spending the summer at Golden Pond and its gentle notes did just that.

At the Valentine’s Day performance, there was hot chocolate to warm patrons on a frigid night and delicious chocolates for the taking throughout the beautifully decorated Victorian house. During the intermission, I encourage you to take a self-guided tour of the the lower floor of the beautiful home and discover its treasures. If the audience is full, the rooms will be a bit crowded, but it is well worth the time to experience every room.

You can catch the final performances of ON GOLDEN POND on Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Summer Camp registration at Arts at Angeloria’s is now open. You can visit the website for more information on summer day camps in the arts and Wizard World STEAM camps. Run dates for the camp are June 22 through July 24.

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.

Click here to read about Naugatuck/Bethwood Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis.