I’m a sucker for a great story. On Golden Pond is a great story. But that is not all that makes this show a wonder to watch. Sort of like The Crying Game, I won’t spoil the surprise if you don’t already know what former South Sound acting juggernaut has returned from his new life on the East Coast to play the role of Norman for this show. Gosh, I didn’t realize how much I missed seeing him on stage until he entered the glow of the lime lights at Tacoma Little Theatre.



I won’t say who “he” is since either you know him and already know he is back in town or have no idea who “he” is, and therefore, me mentioning his name would mean nothing to you. But I’ll just say he nailed that role. He framed it, nailed it and squarely mounted it on the wall, with a potted plant strategically placed nearby to accent its symmetry.



The directing of this show fell to the hands of John Munn, who in typical style seems to have allowed the actors to explore their characters and develop the story beyond what people might remember from the movie version of the same name. The show follows the summer lives of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th time. They have grown old with each passing visit, and the summer vacations chronicle their changed lives. Norman is a retired professor in the early stages of losing his memory. The loss is enough to be significant but not enough for him to need round-the-clock care. But those times are on the horizon. And he knows it. That fact would have made this summer trying on its own, but then also entering the scene is their divorced, middle-aged daughter who leaves her son to stay at the lake while she tours Europe with her new fiancé.

Also on stage

I do so love me some Jesus — Capital Playhouse’s Jesus Christ Superstar that is.

This rock-opera version of a passion play is the perfect show for this Easter slot in the theater season as it tells the story of the triumphant arrival of the Messiah into the city, his betrayal, trial, crucifixion and projects to its aftermath.



Jamie Cooper nails the title role, no pun intended. But so does the balance of the cast, including Bruce Haasl as Judas Iscariot and Sara Flotree as Mary Magdalene and Adam Randolph as Pontius Pilate. What made this show sing was the incredible energy it spun through the audience. It was like the Holy Spirit was very present as the actors did their thing.



[Tacoma Little Theatre, On Golden Pond, through April 26, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $16-$20, 210 N. I St., Tacoma, 253.272.2281, tacomalittletheatre.com]



[Capital Playhouse, Jesus Christ Superstar, through April 12, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $23-$35, 612 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.943.2744, capitalplayhouse.com]