by Emily Edelman
The action in the Ghent Playhouse’s production of Bess Wohl’s “Grand Horizons” centers around the abrupt decision by older couple Nancy and Bill to end their 50-year marriage. Their two sons visit them at the retirement community where they live in a desperate attempt to repair the troubled union.
Patricia Jordan and Mark Wilson are terrific together as the aforementioned Nancy and Bill, and it’s satisfying to watch the emotional arc as the layers of their characters are revealed. Patrick Domery’s frustration with change as responsible, methodical older son Ben is palpable; equally so is the out-of-control upending of the world as viewed through the eyes of younger son Brian, played by Dylan LeSage. Carissa Palladino as Ben’s pregnant wife, Jess, has a beautiful moment of depth when she notices herself in Nancy’s situation.
Mark Wilson and Patricia Jordan in the Ghent Playhouse production of “Grand Horizons” directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher. Photo: John Shea. 
Carissa Palladino, Patrick Domery, Mark Wilson, Patricia Jordan, and Dylan LeSage in the Ghent Playhouse production of “Grand Horizons” directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher. Photo: John Shea. 
Dylan LeSage and Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm in the Ghent Playhouse production of “Grand Horizons” directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher. Photo: John Shea. 
in the Ghent Playhouse production of “Grand Horizons” Patricia Jordan and Sally McCarthy directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher. Photo: John Shea. 
Patrick Domery and Carissa Palladino in the Ghent Playhouse production of “Grand Horizons” directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher. Photo: John Shea. 
Grand Horizons 
Grand Horizons 
The show’s other two characters are confined to a single scene each, which is a pity due to the fantastic portrayals given by their respective actors: Kerry Kaz as Tommy brings hilarity as well as some rather profound observations about human behavior, and Sally McCarthy as Carla elicits the audience’s compassion for a character who doesn’t at first seem like she should have it.
Director Cathy Lee-Visscher’s pacing is just right, helped along by natural and plausible movements and staging. The story was hindered by clunky, overly long scene changes on opening night, but I imagine those have been smoothed out by now.
Three more chances remain to see this funny yet poignant show, as it runs through Sunday, Oct. 11.
The Ghent Playhouse presents “Grand Horizons” by Bess Wohl, directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher, from October 2-11, 2026 at the Ghent Playhouse, 6 Town Hall Place, Ghent, NY. CAST: Mark Wilson as Bill, Patricia Jordan as Nancy, Patrick Domery as Ben, Carissa Palladino as Jess, Dylan LeSage as Brian, Kerry Kaz as Tommy, and Sally McCarthy as Carla. CREATIVE TEAM: Assistant Director/Stage Manager Dianne Hobden, Lighting/Sound Design George Lytle and Ed Dignum, Set Design and Decoration Cathy Lee-Visscher, Set Construction Ed Dignum and John Thomson, Props Cathy Lee-Visscher and Dianne Hobden.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Advance tickets are available at ghentplayhouse.org: $25 for paid Playhouse members, $30 for nonmembers, and $15 for students. Tickets and memberships may be purchased online with no additional processing fees.
For tickets, production information and upcoming events, visit ghentplayhouse.org or email info@ghentplayhouse.org