“OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS,” through May 23, Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City (801-984-9000 or hct.org); running time: 2 hours (one intermission)
WEST VALLEY CITY — Nick Cristano has a big announcement to make, but getting the undivided attention of his four grandparents proves to be a challenge. When everyone has settled down, he delivers the news: He's been offered a promotion.
Everyone cheers, but the jubilation turns to confusion and then dismay as Nick explains the caveat: To accept the better position within his marketing company, he must move to Washington — the one that's really far away from Hoboken, New Jersey, where his grandparents live.
In "Over the River and Through the Woods" at Hale Centre Theatre, for the tight-knit family of the Cristanos and Gianellis, "tengo famiglia" — "support the family" — has always been the creed, along with hearty helpings of food and faith.
What results is a high-spirited battle of wills and the formation of several sneaky — but not subtle — plots on the part of Nick's grandparents to convince the 29-year-old that he doesn't want to leave them after all. Everything from guilt to girlfriends is laid on the table, along with several dishes that look and smell delectable — a trip to an Italian restaurant prior to the show might not be a bad idea.
In the Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday cast, Ben Parkes takes on the role of Nick, a difficult part to play as the character starts out somewhat unlikable due to his behavior toward his grandparents. He succeeds in pushing through the rocky parts — lots of complaining, shouting and even howling — until his character wins the sympathy of the audience as they journey with him through his frustrations and eventual realizations.
Sprinkling some sunshine into the storm that threatens to swallow Nick is Kate Lanphier's sweet and spunky Caitlin O'Hare, the girl the grandparents invite to their weekly Sunday dinner in one of their efforts to get Nick to stay. She cheerfully performs the service of lending Nick the perspective the audience has been wanting to scream at him all along.
The life, joy and absolute highlight of "Over the River," however, lies with the four grandparents and the actors who so skillfully craft their distinct yet universally lovable personalities.
Nunzio Cristano, played gently and with heart by David Glaittli, is a bit quieter than the others. He has a secret that could keep Nick from leaving, but his love for his grandson keeps him careful about when and how that secret should be shared.
Playing Nunzio's wife, Emma Cristano, is Sharon Kenison. Her character has the most vigor and vim, and she's quick to provide Nick with advice for life and Mass cards for whatever else she perceives him as needing — such as a girlfriend.
Then there's David Weekes as Frank Gianelli, whose love of cars — and zest for life in general — is not dampened by his grandson revoking his driving privileges. He goes on strumming his ukulele and sharing stories from his childhood.
The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, and at the heart of this home's kitchen is Nancy Jensen's Aida Gianelli, who is in many ways the show's true anchor as she observes all and nurtures those around her. She'll feed anyone who holds still long enough.
The four are delightful as they laugh, sing, dance, spin stories and enjoy one another's company. Most of all, they shower love on their grandson. While they so badly want Nick to stay, what they want more than anything is for him to be happy. This love gradually shifts Nick’s dilemma from one of how to get away to one of how to say goodbye.
Hale West Valley’s theater-in-the-round design proves ideal for this production. The actors are able to roam the set — a lovingly crafted dining room and living room — and interact naturally while the audience looks on from above. The set is cleverly designed to optimize the available space, and the details and items placed throughout make it convincing as an Italian grandparents' house and pleasant to look at for two hours.
Under Jennifer Parker Hohl's direction, this production is a powerful ode to the love of grandparents and teaches that the principle of "tengo famiglia" can be honored in many ways.
For an introspective experience that explores the power of family and how to balance dreams for the future with cherished memories, "Over the River and Through the Woods" is an especially worthwhile journey.
Content advisory: Mild language, and characters have alcohol with dinner
Email: rbrutsch@deseretnews.com