Music in the ‘Cuse

This month, the Baldwinsville Theater Guild presents On Golden Pond at the Presbyterian Education Center (64 Oswego St., Baldwinsville). The production, which is directed by Bryan Allen Jones,  stars Tom Minion as Norman Thayer, Jr.,  the 80-year-old retired professor with a wry, yet somewhat macabre sense of humor and BJ Newsome as Ethel,  his patient yet often exasperated wife.

Minion and Newsome are exceptional, giving these characters texture and credibility. Minion’s Norman has a vulnerability that is endearing despite his strong and decidedly un-politically correct view of life. He embraces the characteristics of an 80-year-old man whose opinions have definitely not mellowed with age. At the same time, his character is revitalized in the company of his new step-grandson, played to perfection by Alec Funicello.

Newsome’s Ethel is energetic and optimistic, yet she captures the character’s underlying sadness in the knowledge that her husband is beginning to fail. Newsome’s ability to portray the dichotomy of denial and awareness is particularly poignant.

The supporting cast includes solid performances by Aileen Kenneson as the Thayers’ daughter Chelsea; Jay Burris as Bill Ray, Chelsea’s fiance; and Lee LaManche as Charlie, the Golden Pond mailman. Burris’ scene in which he attempts to get to know Norman is particularly strong. I would have like to have seen more of him!

The entire play takes place in the living room of the Thayer’s summer home, complete  with a realistic-looking fieldstone fireplace, a mission oak rocker, wicker chairs, and branch stair railings. Kudos to Gregg Bilyeau who designed the set and Janet Heath, who painted the stunning backdrop of Golden Pond. Particularly impressive are the lighting effects, which transform the backdrop from day to night.

On Golden Pond runs through June 21.  Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, and there will be  3 p.m. matinees on June 14 and 21. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students, and $12 for seniors for the Sunday matinees.

The annual Jamesville Balloon Festival kicks off today at Jamesville Beach (4110 West Shore Manor, Jamesville). Gates open at 4 p.m. and the event runs until 10 p.m.  Tonight’s musical acts include the Terry Mulhauser Band and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Here’s today’s schedule of events:

Balloon Field
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.  - Pilot Weather Briefing
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.  - Balloon Launches (Weather permitting)

Special Shapes Area
6:00 - 7:30pm - Balloon Launches*

Bud Light Main Stage
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Terry Mulhauser Band
8:30 - 10:00 p.m. - The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Also tonight…

The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival gets underway tonight. This festival features over 200 individual concerts at various venues in and around Rochester.

This year’s lineup includes Smokey Robinson, Dave Brubeck, Michael McDonald, Taj Mahal, Carolyn Wonderland, Jake Shimabukuro, Susan Tedeschi and S.M.V,  The Thunder Tour with Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, and more.  Tickets for the headliner shows can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by phone charge at 800-745-3000.

The Dave Matthews Band performs tonight at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs) with special guests The Hold Steady.  The show starts at 7 p.m.  The band will also be at SPAC Saturday night. Click here for ticket information.

The Onondaga Civic Symphony Orchestra performs “Rhapsody in Blue” and other pieces at Driver’s Village (5885 E. Circle Dr., North Syracuse). The concert starts at 8 p.m.  General admission is $10, $5 for students and seniors.

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