The stage has been turned into a lakeside home.
“LIGHTS UP!”
It all begins with a bang. Literally. Within moments of this play’s opening, the sound of a crashing door fills the intimate theatre space, jolting me to attention. I immediately find myself drawn into the story and setting.
There is a lake in the distance, Golden Pond, visible through the window of a lakeside home. Dusty drop cloths are drawn aside as the place is readied for another summer. On stage is a lone character, protagonist Norman Thayer Jr. (played by Bob Whitmore). Mr. Whitmore displays the nuance of a veteran actor, evident as his character handles a telephone call. Moving naturally and with a commanding presence, his earnest delivery reminds me of James Stewart.
The high caliber of acting and production techniques, including effective use of sound, is immediately apparent as I sit in this small community theatre that I have driven by so many times, yet never set a foot inside of until tonight.
The living room set feels authentic and is thoughtfully decorated. The attention to detail everywhere is obvious. A rear-projection screen gives the audience a view of the nearby lake, as if looking out from inside this home on Golden Pond. In one scene early on, I feel as if I am there with the characters as they peer through the window and discuss something distant, far out of the audience’s view. Reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, this moment showcases the talents of the veteran actors and production crew, and it works to achieve an almost cinematic effect, evident as I seemingly feel the large, natural space all around as this story unfolds.
I find myself laughing out loud often, despite my attempts to remain quiet in the back corner of the theatre as I observe. Only a handful of people are present during this full dress rehearsal, one of the last before the show opens on Friday. I can only imagine the sounds as a live audience fills this space and enjoys this well written, touching, and often funny play.
At times I watch, amazed, as crew members adjust lights, move equipment, and climb ladders, all while the actors proceed with their performances as if nothing is going on around them at all. This is another example of the type of experienced professionals this theatre attracts, and everyone seems to feel genuinely lucky to be a part of it.
I was quickly discovering that behind the doors of this nondescript playhouse lies a breadth of talent and a passion for theatre. I arrived earlier in the evening to speak with director and founding member, Jennifer Fenner, along with some of the cast and crew.
It’s dark out as I step from my car and take a look around. A small, white billboard is mounted on the wall out front with the Plant City Entertainment logo hiding in plain sight. Moveable plastic tiles with black, capital letters tell me what’s playing inside. The clean, painted, brick and block walls have pleasantly square facings, and paired with the deep-red color of the awnings and doors, the place gives off a middle school vibe. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but we all get fooled sometimes.
Approaching the building, I glance up. The outside lights are leering down at me as I peek in through the slightly ajar door. A visitor in an unfamiliar place, I am hesitant to step through it, but that feeling does not last long. The welcome I receive from the production team and actors makes me feel immediately at home. Their enthusiasm and appreciation for this type of community theatre abounds as people share their stories.
Appearing on stage alongside Bob Whitmore is a terrific cast, and I had the opportunity to watch each of them perform. Their collective experience shows, and even the youngest cast member, at 13 years of age, is performing in his third show with Plant City Entertainment. His character, Billy Ray, is the same age, and young Remington Gaede extends a genuine authenticity as his character navigates occasionally uncomfortable issues, which the play does a great job of as a whole. There is the feeling of a warm hug from an ‘80s sitcom that brings you in closer; you want to be part of this family for a little while.
The role of Ethel Thayer is played by Judy Heck Lowry, who brings years of stage acting experience. She was delightful, and together with Mr. Whitmore and supporting actors Mike Edwards (Charlie Martin), Mollie Anderson (Chelsea Thayer Wayne), Stephen Preuss (Bill Ray), and Betty Roney (Telephone Operator), this intimate group displays an engaging chemistry that brings the story to life. Director Jennifer Fenner and Assistant Director Shirley Outen provide the experience and leadership that make the whole thing work.
After thoroughly enjoying the first act of this charming play, it is time for me to go. Pleasantly, I am left wondering about what happens next in the lives of these relatable, diverse, and very interesting characters.
I can’t wait to find out.
Plant City Entertainment’s Production of On Golden Pond opens Friday, February 13 and runs on select days through Sunday, February 22.
The theatre is located at 101 N. Thomas Street in Plant City.
Their number is 813-752-0728.
Tickets for On Golden Pond start at $25 and can be purchased through their website www.plantcityentertainment.com
Check them out on Facebook and Instagram as well.
Enjoy the show!!!
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.plantcityobserver.com ’
