Review: Richardson Theatre Centre's OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS takes us back to the good 'ol days.

Over the River and Through the Woods

By Joe DiPietro

Directed by Rachael Lindley

Produced by Richardson Theatre Centre

Audience Rating: PG with strong language

Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sound Level: Comfortable volume, some loud arguing

Audio/Visuals to Prepare For: None of note

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

"I know you're not a baby, but you'll always be my baby." Frequently said in my house by yours truly. It doesn't matter how old they get, or how old I get, they'll always be mine; it's my job to take care of them and make sure they're taken care of. That's just the momma in me. On the reverse side of that coin, however, is the young girl who still tells her own mother, "I know, Mom. I'm not a baby." Much like Nick, in Over the River and Through the Woods, I had more than one parent (and grandparent) giving unsolicited advice, adding pressure and meddling. We should all be so lucky! 

For those of us who can relate, and I hope you can, Nick Cristano (Joe Cucinotti) is a thirty-something year old adult with grandparents from his maternal and paternal side who regularly get together for dinner to impart their overbearing love and affection for their only grandson. Unattached, unmarried, no children: Nick has no "reason to stay." After being offered a huge job promotion, on the other side of the country, he breaks the news to his beloved grandparents, who don't handle it in a way that Nick's therapist ("head doctor)" would approve. So, naturally, they'll give him a reason to stay. 

Joe Cucinotti plays a head-strong Nick, who is eager to prove himself capable of big boy decisions; adolescent and temperamental in nature, until stress takes its toll and the truth behind "Tengo Familia" suddenly makes sense. Proud and sentimental Grandpa Frank Gianelli (Budd Mahan) strums his ukelele and tells heart wrenching stories from his own past, while his sweet and compassionate wife, Grandma Aida Gianelli (Karen Jordan) makes another three-course meal (sandwiches while you wait.) "Happy-Pappy" (as I've nicknamed him) Nunzio Cristano (Shawn Patrello) is the playful jester of the group, who loves to kid around and tell stories his own way, not void of his own sentimentality, especially toward his adorable wife, Emma Cristano. Sue Goodner's spit-fire Emma makes an excellent little schemer, setting Nick up on an impromptu date with her young friend Caitlin O'Hare (Alison Schonhoff.) Despite Nick's embarrassment and chastisement for his grandmother's match-making attempts, Schonhoff's Caitlin understands the message behind "Faith, Family and Food," and embraces Nick's family in all their quirks, while also not afraid to put Nick in his place when he's acting like a real "asshole" (her words, not mine. Although, I'm in full agreement.)

Greg Smith's set design transports us to Grandma Aida's house, while Set Dresser's Lorna Woodford and Leigh Wyatt Moore give us a space that's full of eclectic love and nostalgia. Costume Designer Kristin Moore, Lighting Designer Kenneth Hall and Sound/Light Operator Robert Sims further set the 1980's scene.  

Co-Directed by Rachael Lindley and Lorna Woodford, Over the River and Through the Woods takes us right back to grandmother's house, where faith, family and food wraps us in a warm blanket (almost too warm) and leaves our stomachs and our spirits full. You'll adore this lovable family drama! Now through May 3. Tickets are available at richardsontheatrecentre.net 

Y'all Enjoy!

Natalie