By Pam Powell
Main Street Theater
On Golden Pond opens tonight and run through Sunday, June 23, on the historic stage in Old City Hall in Belton. Main Street Theater hopes this touching story will remind everyone on how precious family and family relationships are.
On Golden Pond opened on Broadway in September 1989. Originally intended to be a serious story about the struggles all of us face with our families, the author, Ernest Thompson found the audience reaction made the play softer and sweeter than intended.
With Norman Thayer, Jr., turning 80 years old, the play tells of years of normalcy in the family as well as dysfunction. And, as Norman and his wife Ethel face the inevitability of death, they learn to have hope for the future of the family.
Of note, Dr. Kent Powell and his wife, Sharon Powell, lead the cast. Kent and Sharon grew up in Belton, dated at Belton High School, married and have shared a rich family life together.
Kent has just retired from his dental practice in Excelsior Springs. He and Sharon, a former educator and current city councilwoman traveled many miles and many hours to join the cast of On Golden Pond. With a lifetime relationship performed by two people who have spent a lifetime together, they bring a rich chemistry to their roles.
Joining Kent and Sharon are Alan Palmer as Charlie Martin, Russell Friend and his wife Patricia Friend as Bill Ray and Chelsea Thayer Martin, and Logan Myland as the youngster, Billy Ray. Each character brings to life an important aspect of life on Golden Pond. All of these fine actors call Belton their home.
Main Street Theater, LLC., calls the Old City Hall “home,” renting the space from Belton Community Projects, Inc. The long-term goal of the theater is to continue to provide quality theatrical arts to the Belton community as well as making every effort to preserve and maintain the historic building with BCPI.
Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2:30. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested. Please call 816-406-9422 for more information or to make a reservation. Due to mature themes, the show is not recommended for young children. More information about pricing is on their webpage www.mainstreettheaterbelton.com.