Vanguard’s ‘Golden Pond’ Skates on Thin Ice

FULLERTON — Things can get pretty cranky out “On Golden Pond.” The main man of Ernest Thompson’s unflinchingly sentimental drama is Norman Thayer, a septuagenarian with a bad attitude. He grouses and teases and yaps and bums people out.

Of course, Norman’s lovable, too. It’s just that getting old is a pain, and Norman isn’t happy about any of it. His spouse, Ethel, understands, though. She gets on his case but is basically as tolerant as a saint with Norman’s little tantrums. Their trip to the family retreat in woodsy Maine is meant to be a rebirth for Norman, with Ethel in the role of midwife.

The trick to enjoying “On Golden Pond,” currently in a shaky revival by the Vanguard Theatre Ensemble, is connecting with Norman and Ethel, not the easiest step under any circumstances.

Thompson’s play, while gently intentioned, can be a manipulative piece of theater; emotions come at you poignantly, but heavily.

At the Vanguard, director Wendy Gunkel tries to blend the more edgy, realistic threads of the play into its more maudlin fabric, and at times succeeds. The scenes between Norman (Jim McElenney) and his estranged daughter’s boyfriend (David Billman) have a tenseness that works well.

The unspoken uneasiness between Norman and daughter Chelsea (Jill Cary Martin) also gets played out nicely, thanks especially to Martin’s taut, internalized performance.

But the central relationship between Norman and Ethel doesn’t click. McElenney is decent enough, giving Norman the called-for mix of meanness and sweetness under that crabby exterior. McElenney, who, according to the program, also is a stand-up comic, gets some giggles with his humorous timing and little asides.

Norma Schwied is too much as Ethel, though. By over-dramatizing almost every moment, such as when she goes into a tizzy over seeing a couple of loons mating, Schwied brings an archness that emphasizes the drama’s pushiness. Schwied is more finely tuned when dealing with the Chelsea character; she and Martin have an easy rapport.

Another disappointing element of this staging is the presentation of Billy Ray (Erik Patterson), the adolescent son of Chelsea’s boyfriend. He’s supposed to be troubled--a condition that Norman feels compelled to fix, giving them a vital connection--but here he’s just a good kid who wants to have some fun. The relationship between Billy Ray and Norman may be nice, but it doesn’t explain why the old man is suddenly experiencing life anew.

‘On Golden Pond’

A Vanguard Theatre Ensemble production of Ernest Thompson’s play. Directed by Wendy Gunkel. With Jim McElenney, Norma Schwied, Jill Cary Martin, Terry Gunkel, David Billman and Erik Patterson. Lighting by Camri Southern. Plays Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. through Sept. 26 at 699-A S. State College Blvd., Fullerton. $10 to $14. (714) 526-8007.