The newly formed St. Joseph’s players in Yucca Valley opened a three-week run of the popular play “On Golden Pond” last weekend. Managing Editor Tami Roleff was in the audience and offer this review of the show…..
“On Golden Pond,” now playing at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church in Yucca Valley, is a sentimental comedy that will make you long for summers spent at the lake. Directed by Rebecca Havely and starring some of the area’s best actors, the cast draws you into this family drama about growing old and facing your own mortality. Lloyd Steele as Norman is perfect as the prickly, curmudgeonly father who only comes alive when he suddenly has a grandson to take fishing. The very talented Sue Kelly as his wife Ethel, is sweet, but still strong enough to stand up to her husband. She and Steele have great chemistry together. Sadie Johannsson plays Chelsea as a defiant daughter who loves her parents, but isn’t sure how to connect with them. Supporting characters Ben Bees as her boyfriend and new husband the dentist, Trevor Carpenter as her stepson Billy, Ben Sasnett as her former boyfriend Charlie, and Jananne Turner as the operator, give good, solid, professional performances. The set design is fantastic; you feel like you are at a cabin on a lake—complete with a dock. There were plenty of laughs and sniffles during this nostalgic look at family life.
“On Golden Pond” plays Saturday, March 1 and 8, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 2 and 9, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church in Yucca Valley, 56312 Onaga Trail. Tickets are $10, $8 for military, seniors, and students, and are available at The Silk Purse in Twentynine Palms, Wind Walker in Joshua Tree, or by calling 760-365-7133.
