"Over the River & Through the Woods" opens in NOHO

--- Theatre review

"Over the river and through the woods ... to grandma´s house we go," reads the familiar children´s nursery rhyme. It´s also the title and theme of the new heartwarming comedy by Joe DiPietro playing at the Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre. And although there are no woods or rivers evident in Chris Winfield´s warm and welcoming set, there certainly are grandmas… and grandpas.

Nick Cristano (played by Ren Bell) is a single, 29-year-old man who has spent nearly every Sunday of his life with his immigrant grandparents – both sets of them – being stuffed with homemade lasagna and gnocchi as well as their oft-told stories, complaints and congenial arguments.

To the Gianellis and the Cristansos, Faith, Family, & Food are the most important things in life. "Tenga Famiglia!" (Family Together) is their proud motto. It´s clear that they love Nick very much and expect him to be around forever ... unlike the rest of their offspring who reside in distant cities.

So when Nick announces that he´s had a promotion and will be moving across the country, they are devastated. "Everybody moves away," says Grandpa Frank Gianelli (Klair Bybee) gloomily, while Grandma Aida (Irene Chapman) rushes to fix Nick a ham and provolone sandwich.

"He has no reason to stay," says Grandpa Nunzio Cristano (Robert Gallo), who has a sad secret that, if told, might just be a reason. "Let´s give him a reason to stay!" says Grandma Emma (Michele Bernath), who then hatches a plot to introduce "their boy" to the niece of her Bridge partner friend.

Both Nick and Caitlin (Alyse Courtney) know the fancy family dinner is a "blind set-up," but while Nick is embarrassed and angered, Caitlin revels in his grandparents´ oddities and obvious affection for him and each other. Their noisy, nosey camaraderie fills a huge hole in her family-less life.

Surprising himself, Nick discovers he´s actually interested in her. But will that attraction be enough to make him stay?

Full of fun and laughter, the play nevertheless has a few serious, even poignant, moments that discerning viewers will appreciate because they deepen and strengthen the story. Along with Nick, the audience will learn several important truths about heritage, sacrifice and freedom, many of which will linger in their thoughts after the play ends.

Praise goes to Larry Eisenberg for his fine direction, and to the entire cast for their energetic and stellar performances.

"Over the River and Through the Woods" plays Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm, through June 27.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults; Seniors/Students, $17; and $15 for groups.

For information and reservations, call (818) 700-4878 or visit www.theatermania.com Groups call Toll free (866) 464-2088.

The theater is located at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.