Over the River and Through the Woods

by Joe DiPietro

Nick is a single Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida. That doesn't mean his family isn't still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he's been offered a dream job. The job he's been waiting for - marketing executive - would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn't sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family's love to move to Seattle for a job, wonder his grandparents? Well, Frank, Aida, Nunzio, and Emma do their level best, that includes bringing the lovely - and single - Caitlin O'Hare as bait.

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Drama, Humor, Fiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very funny play with some great roles for older-adults; however, it was dangerously close to having caricatures and not characters.

3.5/5

[Bryan Edelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt play that really doesn't shy away from one of the hardest questions I don't like to ask. Is it selfish to move away from the ones you love when you know it would help you grow? 7/10

[Talia Fabrizzio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming from an Italian family myself, I felt this play perfectly captured the all the true and meaningful dynamics involved within a family. I throughly enjoyed the arc of the plot, and was touched by how well the ending connected the common struggle of balancing one’s place in a family with becoming independent. The humor was outstandingly well-written, and the wittiness contributed greatly to my overall enjoyment of the play. Well done.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Italian grandparents in Hoboken, 1 unmarried grandson who wants to move to Seattle for his job and tons of Italian food while they discuss all of it... loudly and incessantly. A fun, honest and poignant read but a little too one-note for a full production. Perfect for a readers theater, though... after an Italian dinner, of course. Too bad we can't have wine with it.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm playing Emma in a community theater. It's fun!

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one's a lot of fun, a young man must choose between making a life for himself and his love for his overwhelming Italian grandparents.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine play, with interesting roles that really don’t get kicking into a third dimension until the end of the show. But there is some great humorous moments, and wonderful roles for older performers!

[Gregory Andis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great comedy for small casts. The grandparents are hilarious.

[Samantha Pinchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite plays that I’ve ever worked on. Beautiful, heart wrenching story about family, food, and love.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play is amazing. Read it, and go see it performed, if you have the chance.

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute and heartwarming play. A little hard to follow in parts because of the constant back and forth and changing subjects, but that's what made it feel real also. I enjoyed it.

I read this play specifically for a play selection committee for a local community theatre, so here are my thoughts regarding that.

Small cast, which is good. Great roles for some older characters, but the line loads might be tough, especially considering the changing subjects. Still, I don't think it would be too difficult to cast. Only one set, which is more convenient than the last play I read. Shouldn't be too difficult to put together the dining room, living room, and patio areas. Lighting my be challenging with the shifting of scenes. Definitely would need a spotlight operator. Lots of food props which takes time and could get messy.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite, favorite plays. I first encountered when play the character Emma in a cutting of the first act. For a while that is all I knew about the play. It is an hilarious first act! When I finally sat down and read the second act I laughed some more, but then cried. This play of family, and how that is always the important thing, gives the audience food for thought. It shows two sets of grandparents and how their love for each other and especially their spouses trumped even personal woes. I would recommend this play even to those you aren't into play-reading. If you have a chance to see it DO IT! Such an awesome story that will leave you will sore ab muscles from laughing and puffy eyes from crying.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. Truly awful.

EDIT: I recently saw this play after reading it two years ago and it was so much better! Maybe because the actors made their characters, you know, actual characters. Maybe I was wrong about OTRaTTW (wait that's impossible, I'm never wrong). I can't remember what I hated about this play but clearly I should be giving my reviews a little more meat that just three fucking words.

[Diana Grogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in and directed this play. If you read it or if you see it you will tell yourself, "I know these people!" Two sets of Grandparents with Old World ideas of family and their Grandson. Then they get the news that he has a promotion and has to move away. Funny, touching and loaded with love.

[Letitia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your typical, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" genre of witty quips centered around an eccentric immigrant family. Surprising in that while it seems to launch as a simple farce, it reveals a lot of heart and even prompts a few shed tears before the graceful denouement.

[Chalise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the show I am doing first tri. It truly is amazing. You laugh so hard you roll on the ground and then seamlessly Dipietro has you crying. It was well written delightful and I true work of art I am excited to produce it this year. Now to find the perfect cast.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have a show about a 29-year-old Italian American and his four grandparents in Hoboken, NJ, you're bound to spend the majority of the show laughing. Although I think this piece has universal appeal, I think it would be most appreciated by those who grew up in the tri-state area.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

i LOVE this play. i was in it in college. it is just so funny and touching! you gotta have good actors for the grandparents though.... if you get a chance to watch it, don't miss it!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me a bit of Crossing Delancey & Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Endearing family story! We are presenting this production in 2011.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great script. I hope you all fill in your calendars for the last weekend in Jan. and the first weekend in Feb. (Thurs. thru Sat-matinee last Sat)

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic comfort-food type of play, with just enough sorrowful notes to keep the emotions honest.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun comedy that deals with the generation gap.