By Michael Moran
On stage Nov. 1 through Nov. 3, a cantankerous curmudgeon, his resentful daughter and her search for love, it must be it must be the classic On Golden Pond.
The Cultural Park Theater’s production of Ernest Thompson’s 1979 play opens nearly four decades after Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn won Oscars for their roles in the film adaptation, the story remains a poignant tale of aging and love lost and found.
Despite the serious underpinnings—poor parenting, dementia, death—the script is full of humor, which the veteran cast makes deft use of, for example, Norman’s interrogation of the new boyfriend feels effortlessly, cringingly, laughably awful.
On Golden Pond is the directorial debut for Gwen Salata, “I like to think this show teaches us never to forget to show love to those about whom you care because it might be the last time you have the chance to do it,” she reminds the audience. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $10 for children under 12, $16 for students with ID and $19 for seniors.
Following On Golden Pond, the theater opens its 2019-2020 Concert Series with a long awaited welcome back to the voices of Johnny and Patti Russo as they bring their “Country Harvest U.S.A.” concert to stage Nov. 8 – 10 for three performances only. Join these dynamic singers as they pay tribute to the music of Patsy Cline, Ray Stevens, Alan Jackson, Crystal Gayle, Dolly Parton and more of country’s biggest hits to the stage. Show times are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. All tickets are $21.
Next on stage, Nov. 15 – 17,
Cultural Park Theater is thrilled to be welcoming two of Southwest Florida’s best voices to its stage for a weekend of “Dueling Pianos.” Sarah Hadeka and Dave Rode have been delighting local audiences for years. Sarah’s wide-ranging vocal styles and Dave’s powerful voice never disappoint. For Dueling Pianos, they’ll be turning over control of the concert to the audience who will be able to request songs all night long. Who will come out on top? You’ll have to show up and find out for yourself. Show times are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. All tickets are $21.
For those with the acting and singing bug, Cultural Park will hold open auditions for its Spectacular Christmas Revue on Nov. 16 & 17 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the seasons most anticipated productions once again we take your favorite holiday songs, add some pop music and sprinkle in a cast of children, adults and Santa Claus and you have a recipe for a most “spectacular” Christmas show!
Cultural Park Theatre Company is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral. For further information or to purchase tickets, call 239-772-5862 or visit www.culturalparktheater.comhttp://www.culturalparktheater.com
Michael Moran is executive director of Cultural Park Theater.
