Parting Can Be So Poignantly Amusing

On Wednesday December 17, Oddfellows Playhouse presents an adult-only reading of "Over The River and Through The Woods", a 1994 comedy by Joe DiPietro that was performed at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford before moving to Broadway in 1997. The 7 p.m. performance, a benefit for Oddfellows, has been arranged and directed by West Hartford resident Myron Gubitz, last seen on the OP stage in the role of The Ghost of Hamlet's father in the early October production of "Hamlet."

The story revolves Nick, a 29-year old New York City marketing executive who gets a big promotion and is scheduled to move to Seattle, Washington. His problem is how to tell his grandparents, all 4 of whom live in Hoboken, New Jersey and who he faithfully visits for dinner every Sunday night. Nick is the only member of his immediate family still living near them and the grandparents are very upset with his job decision. So, they try to entice to stay by hooking him up with Caitlin, the daughter of Grandmother Emma's canasta partner. Much hilarity ensues but there is also some sadness and plenty of references to food.

OP's Artistic Director Jeffery Allen stars as Nick while Gubitz and Barbara Gallow are the maternal grandparents with Naomi & Richard Kamins as the fraternal pair. Jaclynn Hart appears as Caitlin. Since this is a reading, the participants work at music stands and there is little movement so Erin Sullivan serves as the narrator. Yet, the emotion and humor comes shining through. The show is fine for ages 16 and older.

For more information, call 860-347-6143.