Testing ‘Pond’s’ depth

BHCT production plumbs human relationships

By Crystal Hohenthaner, Journal staff | Saturday, September 20, 2008

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The warm, reflective, comedic drama of “On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson is a fitting choice to usher in Black Hills Community Theatre’s 40th season. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. today at the Rushmore Mall. A reception in the mall’s skylight area near the theater will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The show, described by BHCT as a “touchingly basic human drama sprinkled with human pathos,” explores the family relationships of a couple and their daughter as they amble through their twilight years.

The show’s director, Terry Rathbun, has directed many shows for BHCT, but he is especially excited for this show because of the quality of the performances, the “terrific” set and the significant dramatic depth of the script.

“We are ‘perching’ the play from a human dramatic interest point of view that is quite in-depth,” Rathbun said. “The show has a heavy dose of humor to it and the community theater is referring to it as a comedy, but it does explore the tense dramatic depths of the human relationships.”

The relationship with the most tension in it is between the patriarch of the family, Norman Thayer, played by Streeter Shining, and his daughter, Chelsea Thayer Wayne, played by Jenna Green.

Rathbun said that due to their range in age and experience, the cast reflects the spirit of community theater.

“We have a blend of four people with significant experience and two people with less experience,” Rathbun said. “And we have the uniqueness of having a range of characters that spans 60 years.”

The cast is rounded out by Carol Cameron playing Ethel Thayer, Chris Doyle playing Chelsea’s ex-boyfriend Charlie Martin, Jace Brock  playing Chelsea’s current beau Bill Ray and Matthew Garry  playing Bill Ray’s son Billy Ray.

Shining said he has enjoyed the dramatic and comedic tension of the show.

“I think my favorite scene is when I’m talking to Bill — the boyfriend of my daughter, Chelsea — and I’m goading him,” Shining said. “I’m just making it uncomfortable for him when he comes to visit.”

Shining said he enjoys the scene because he likes the interplay of the characters and he also enjoys teasing Brock.

“Jace (Brock) and I have been in a lot of plays together, and it’s a lot of fun to work with him,” he said.

Shining also said that he is concerned that people will judge the play based on the film “On Golden Pond” that starred Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. He suggests people watch the play before they see the movie, if at all possible.

“I just hope people have a good time and I hope it adds a little bit to their life and experiences,” Shining said. “And try not to compare us to the people in the movie.”

Rathbun said he would characterize the show as an adult comedy. So, although it is a family drama and would be an appropriate family outing for those with older children, it is probably not for younger children.

“I suppose it would be PG-13,” he said.

If you go

What: “On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson, the first show of the Black Hills Community Theatre’s 40th anniversary season.

When: 7:30 p.m. today, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 28; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 2-4; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.

Where: Rushmore Mall between J.C. Penney and Radio Shack storefronts

Tickets: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and military members and $11 for students. Group rates are available. For more information or to make reservations, call 394-1786.

Contact Crystal Hohenthaner at 394-8329 or crystal.hohenthaner@rapidcityjournal.com.