Starlight Dinner Theatre presents the family comedy “Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro May 9-18, 2025
Nick has always valued the time spent with his Italian-American grandparents in Hoboken, knowing that each Sunday dinner was an opportunity to connect, to laugh, and to learn from their rich experiences. But Nick has dreams and when he receives the perfect job offer from the west coast, he is determined to take it. His grandparents - Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma are just as determined that he stay put and they begin hatching plots to keep him home, Tengo famiglia! As the weeks pass, Nick feels the weight of his decision pressing down on him, torn between his dreams and the love of his family. With each gathering, he observes the subtle dynamics, the shared memories, and the unspoken bonds that tie him to these four remarkable individuals.
Over the River and Through the Woods is a slice of American life that’s slipping away fast – living close enough to our extended families to gather with them often, each meal blessing the ties that bind. That struggle, between a young man needing to leave and make his own way, and the huge tidal pull of the family who has watched him grow up, is at the heart of this comedy.
Over the River is directed by Linda Granger, the founder of Starlight. “I have been waiting years (through Covid, school renovations) to put this show on our stage as a tribute to my Italian heritage. I had been looking forward to sharing it with my Italian mother, who unfortunately has since passed away. This is a tribute to her and all my Italian relatives who have made me who I am.”
Mark Polzin plays Nick, a young man struggling to tell his grandparents heartbreaking news. His grandmother, Aida, who prepares Italian home-cooked meals for her guests is played by Sandra Thomasson. Her feisty husband, Frank, who is dealing with his declining driving skills, is played by Chris Klaver. Nick's other set of grandparents portrayed with animation and humor are Ruth Neumann Howard and Mike Shalley. Playing the sweet young lady the grandparents recruit as an incentive to keep Nick in New Jersey is Stephanie Vosburgh (Spagnuolo).
What is our obligation to those who provide care for us? How do we balance the need to leave home with the comfort of staying? Is it possible to find equilibrium between these opposing forces? Each character presents their perspective, and playwright DiPietro highlights how the priorities of youth—such as career, adventure, and romance—change into the simpler values recognized in old age. This transition occasionally leads to sentimentality, but not frequently.
This production has been generously underwritten by Dr. Julie A. Dodds
Dates and Times: Dinner 6:30 Show 7:30 Friday and Saturday May 9, 10, 17
Dessert Sunday: 1:30 Show 2:00 pm Sunday, May 18
Location: Waverly East Intermediate School, 3131 W. Michigan Ave 48917
Prices: Show and Dinner: $33-$36. $20 children 12 and under.
Show Only: $17-$15. $10 children 12 and under
Sunday Dessert Matinee $20. $13 children 12 and under
Reservations: 517 599-2779 or email [email protected]
Dinner and dessert reservations must be made 3 days before desired performance date and payment is required to hold any reservations, (check or credit card). Show-only tickets can be purchased at the door.
Menu: Beef or Vegetarian Lasagna – (choice must be made when making reservation), Green Beans with Olive Oil, Garlic and Oregano, Italian Salad with Dressings on the side, Garlic Bread, Cherry Cheesecake Squares
Nick has always valued the time spent with his Italian-American grandparents in Hoboken, knowing that each Sunday dinner was an opportunity to connect, to laugh, and to learn from their rich experiences. But Nick has dreams and when he receives the perfect job offer from the west coast, he is determined to take it. His grandparents - Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma are just as determined that he stay put and they begin hatching plots to keep him home, Tengo famiglia! As the weeks pass, Nick feels the weight of his decision pressing down on him, torn between his dreams and the love of his family. With each gathering, he observes the subtle dynamics, the shared memories, and the unspoken bonds that tie him to these four remarkable individuals.
Over the River and Through the Woods is a slice of American life that’s slipping away fast – living close enough to our extended families to gather with them often, each meal blessing the ties that bind. That struggle, between a young man needing to leave and make his own way, and the huge tidal pull of the family who has watched him grow up, is at the heart of this comedy.
Over the River is directed by Linda Granger, the founder of Starlight. “I have been waiting years (through Covid, school renovations) to put this show on our stage as a tribute to my Italian heritage. I had been looking forward to sharing it with my Italian mother, who unfortunately has since passed away. This is a tribute to her and all my Italian relatives who have made me who I am.”
Mark Polzin plays Nick, a young man struggling to tell his grandparents heartbreaking news. His grandmother, Aida, who prepares Italian home-cooked meals for her guests is played by Sandra Thomasson. Her feisty husband, Frank, who is dealing with his declining driving skills, is played by Chris Klaver. Nick's other set of grandparents portrayed with animation and humor are Ruth Neumann Howard and Mike Shalley. Playing the sweet young lady the grandparents recruit as an incentive to keep Nick in New Jersey is Stephanie Vosburgh (Spagnuolo).
What is our obligation to those who provide care for us? How do we balance the need to leave home with the comfort of staying? Is it possible to find equilibrium between these opposing forces? Each character presents their perspective, and playwright DiPietro highlights how the priorities of youth—such as career, adventure, and romance—change into the simpler values recognized in old age. This transition occasionally leads to sentimentality, but not frequently.
This production has been generously underwritten by Dr. Julie A. Dodds
Dates and Times: Dinner 6:30 Show 7:30 Friday and Saturday May 9, 10, 17
Dessert Sunday: 1:30 Show 2:00 pm Sunday, May 18
Location: Waverly East Intermediate School, 3131 W. Michigan Ave 48917
Prices: Show and Dinner: $33-$36. $20 children 12 and under.
Show Only: $17-$15. $10 children 12 and under
Sunday Dessert Matinee $20. $13 children 12 and under
Reservations: 517 599-2779 or email [email protected]
Dinner and dessert reservations must be made 3 days before desired performance date and payment is required to hold any reservations, (check or credit card). Show-only tickets can be purchased at the door.
Menu: Beef or Vegetarian Lasagna – (choice must be made when making reservation), Green Beans with Olive Oil, Garlic and Oregano, Italian Salad with Dressings on the side, Garlic Bread, Cherry Cheesecake Squares
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