A screen door topples off the cabin's hinges in the Driftwood Players production of On Golden Pond.Norman Thayer has neglected the fabric of the cabin, just as he has neglected the fabric of his relationships, particularly with his daughter Chelsea. He is a pathetic rascal whose soft centre is not entirely masked by his brusque demeanour. He has the onset of dementia that becomes evident as the play progresses.Bryan Carson carries the role of Norman with aplomb, his blustery self-confidence giving way to fear as his mental and physical health deteriorates. In the end, the screen door appears again whole, as the Thayer family heals.Driftwood Players' stalwart Nest Lewis plays Ethel, Norman's doting but exasperated wife. She has been his companion for many years and lovingly refers to him as "you old poop." As Ethel, Lewis has boundless energy that spans a wide range of animated emotions as she copes with Norman's behaviour.As their daughter Chelsea arrives at the lake cottage, it soon becomes evident that she and Norman are estranged. While she calls Ethel Mommie, her father is Norman. Their love is evident, but the too short embraces and the lack of genuine touching indicates a problematic relationship. Kim Drescher as Chelsea allows the character's toughness to melt away as she sees her father's vulnerability exposed.Charlie, as the postman played by Randy Schmidt, invokes a level of humour with his country talk and incessant nervous laughing. His performance is refreshing.Trevor Verstad, 14, plays Chelsea's fiance's son, Billy. The part serves as a catalyst for Norman's renewed humanity. Verstad's Billy is the typical smart-ass teenager walking the tightrope between child and adult. He becomes friends with Norman, his fishing buddy, and provides a glimpse into that bond between generations.Richard Lund plays Chelsea's fianc, Bill. His discomfort is evident as the outsider in this complex family. Norman first jerks him about and then warms to his daughter's new man as he warms to the son.Suzanne Barr's set, along with effective lighting and sound, make a believable, rustic Golden Pond cabin.An alternate cast will play in some performances with Marilyn Browning as Ethel, Jennifer Holczer as Chelsea and Ryan Drescher as Billy. Last week's audiences enjoyed laughter and at times, tears, the mark of a good performance.On Golden Pond continues at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through to Nov. 5 at Gibsons' delightful Heritage Theatre. Advance tickets are available at Coast Books and Hallmark Cards in Gibsons, and Talewind Books in Sechelt.
