Local Theater Review: “On Golden Pond”

Prince William Little Theatre sure knows how to deliver large success in a small package.

The determined troupe has produced several of the region's most memorable productions over the last few years, including heartfelt "Always… Patsy Cline" and award-winning "Driving Miss Daisy."

Now, the little theatre that could is kicking off its 24th season with a knockout performance of the Ernest Thomspon classic, "On Golden Pond," playing at Jennie Dean Elementary in Manassas.

"On Golden Pond," widely known from the 1981 Academy Award winning film starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, details a family's milestone summer at its Maine lake house through a series of life-altering experiences, including marriage, friendship and forgiveness.

Though labeled a family drama, it employs a comical approach that prevents any dark clouds from taking over.

Together for the family's 48th summer on Golden Pond, Norman (George Kitchen) and Ethel Thayer (Elissa Hudson) are a bickering, yet lovable couple in the twilight of their lives. Their comical back-and-forth quips are the type of elderly nagging that could only be based in love; it's hard not to feel their genuine affection.

Norman and Ethel's routine summer takes a turn when daughter Chelsea (Lori Muhlstein) decides to visit for her father's 80th birthday party, bringing along new fiancé Bill (August Kreusi) and his son Billy (Caelyn Ryberg).

Soon, childhood resentments are revealed when Chelsea expresses anger over her father's overbearing past and her mother's lack of intervention. The built up emotion, though painful at first, opens the door to new understanding, acceptance and amends.

Kitchen and Hudson are the rocketing high points of this compassionate production, both giving award-worthy performances with their sarcastic portrayals. The two effortlessly capture the essence of a life-long couple, chucking up dry wisecracks with an adoring undertone. Bringing the script to life, they take you out of the throws of acting and into the heart of a marriage that has withstood the test of time.

Melissa Jo York-Tilley shows strong promise in her directorial debut, managing to balance such heavy themes as Alzheimer's disease with amusing characters that draw plenty of laughs.

The embrace of 1980's nostalgia also adds a fun-filled element with radical fashion statements reminiscent of "Miami Vice" and "Flashdance." Additionally, bubbly musical segues (Cyndi Lauper, George Michael) keep viewers bouncing in their seats between scenes.

Once again, PWLT's small-scale production brings big-time talent in this ultimate tale of companionship and the power of memory. So while TV networks vie for your viewership with a mix of season premiers and economic crisis coverage, how about setting down the remote and taking a relaxing getaway "On Golden Pond."

Kyle Ridley can be reached at .

Want to go?

What’s up: PWLT’s presnts its production of “On Golden Pond”

When: Friday, Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and Sunday and Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.

Where: Jennie Dean Elementary School, 9601 Prince William St., Manassa

Tickets: $12 adults; $10 students and seniors; $6 childre

Info: pwlt.org