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Poignant 'Pond' delivers
Rebecca Young/Post-Register
Norman (Randy Brooks) is comforted by his wife Ethel (Cheri Barbre) during a scene from the Masquers Theater production of “On Golden Pond.”
The Masquers Theater production of “On Golden Pond” was touching, poignant and well-acted. First-time director Brendan Brooks, a Moses Lake High School senior who directed the play for his senior project, can be proud of a job well done.
The play, written by Ernest Thompson, tells the story of an older couple, Norman and Ethel, who are facing old age and the prospect of spending a summer at their beloved lake house for the final time.
Randy Brooks, Brendan’s father, was excellent as the cantankerous Norman. He had great chemistry with Cheri Barbre, who played his concerned wife, Ethel. The two were so comfortable and natural together; they made a perfect old, married couple.
Melissa Sloan shone as their daughter, Chelsea, during some tough emotional scenes with her mother and father. Eric Van Woert did a good job as Bill, Chelsea’s nervous fiance. The friendly mailman, Charlie, was played by Eric Suitter, who brought a lot of color and life to the role.
Brendan also got to act opposite his dad as Bill’s son, Billy. Norman and Billy become fishing buddies and great friends. Their chemistry made it apparent that real-life father and son enjoy being on stage together.
Brendan Brooks is going into the Army after graduation, making this play a special one for the family. The proceeds for one of the shows were given to a cystic fibrosis fund. Brendan’s sister died of cystic fibrosis when she was 2, and his 25-year-old brother also has the disease.
“On Golden Pond” is well worth a trip to Soap Lake. The Masquers Theater is a comfortable, intimate setting that makes the audience feel like they are part of an experience and not just observering.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, April 24 and 25 and May 1 and 2 at 8 p.m., with a special Sunday matinee April 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 general, and $10 for seniors and students. For tickets and reservations, call the box office at 246-2611.
