Over the River and through the Woods
“Over the River and through the Woods” is a very humorous comedy that entices you to make a phone call to a loved one, when you leave the theatre.
So many times have I heard of this play, and the title never piqued my interest. A title generates interest, and, in this case, the title alone is what caused me not to be interested in the play. Lo and behold, the story is a fascinating family journey told from each character’s point of view and then given to us to judge from our own perspective.
Every Sunday of almost his entire life, Nick Christano has had Sunday dinner with not only one set of grandparents but both. And for the past few years, it has been without his parents, who have moved to Fort Lauderdale, or his sister, who moved to San Diego. So, for years, it has been only Nick and his grandparents. Still a bachelor, Nick has decided to move to Seattle, not only for his career but to live somewhere else as he doesn’t want to live in one place his entire life, as his grandparents have. Each grandparent has his or her own personal way of dealing with this change in their life, as they plot together to introduce Nick to Caitlyn (astonishingly fine actress, Alyse Courtney), attempting to keep Nick where he belongs, in New Jersey, for the rest of his life. After dinner, while Nick actually does seem interested in the young lady, Caitlyn refuses to go on a date with Nick because he spent the entire dinner yelling at his grandparents, to which, Nick replies in defense, “We’re family.” Does Nick move to Seattle, or does he stay for Caitlyn? You’ll have to find out for yourself.
The Italian perspective was a treat, reminding me of my own Italian family members, especially the line that Nunzio (played by the ever-hysterical and spot-on Robert Gallo) calls out, “We are not loud, we are passionate!” Directed by Larry Eisenberg, the ensemble works well together, keeping the focus on the story rather than on the actors' own personal performances – rare in Los Angeles theatre. The story is an interesting one -- which might be a tear-jerking experience for some who have been controlled by their family -- which asks the question, “How much do you owe those who care for you?”
“Over the River and Through the Woods” should have been called “Tango Familia.” Regardless, it's a great evening of theatre for anyone, young and old.
Where: Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre
818-700-4878
Written by: Joe DiPietro
Directed by: Larry Eisenberg
Produced by: Laura Coker and Disraeli Ellison
Cast: Ren Bell, Michele Bernath, Klair Bybee, Irene Chapman, Alyse Courtney, and Robert Gallo
Set: Chris Winfield