On November 30, December 1 & 2, Spring audiences enjoyed performances of Joe DiPiento's Over the River and Through the Woods. This delightful and poignant comedy features a young man whose life is controlled by his aging Grandparents. He must tell them that he is taking a job across the country, because "he has no reason to stay." So, they try to give him a reason. In the end the journey results in his finding that home is where the family is. And with that, we have play number 2 of our "Jouney Home" season.
The play's 3M and 3W cast and single interior setting made it ideal for the Black Box venue. I opted to use only levels and furniture props allowing the negative space created by the black drapes of the theatre to maximize the effect of the lighting, which used 6 specials. The largest challenge of the show was turning 17year old actors into 70+ year old grandparents. This required a good bit of attention to the study of movement and vocal pacing, as well as, proper makeup and costuming. I felt the four actors faced with this challenge did an admirable job. Of course, there was the usual challenges faced whenever food is used on stage. Proper storage and sanition issues must be carefully handled and kept the prop crew busy. The audiences loved the show, and the final night was a sellout. I was pleased with the result of my 111th (I think) high school play as a director.

The play begins with Nicky speaking to the audience in the light of Special #4.

Frank follows in Special #1.

Aida follows in Special #2. This technique helped to establish the environment from which the actors would speak directly to the audience. This helped to distinguish between the presentational and representational styles of the show.

Area 2 was the living room setting. This was where the representational portion began.

One of the comic tools in the show was that the grandparents had allowed modern technology to pass them by. They did not understand answering machines and VCRs. So, not any old telephone would do. We had to find one about 40 years out of date.

It is one thing to find the appropriate costume. It is another to wear it properly.

Again, the camera had to way out of date.

It is one thing to wear a costume and another to move properly in it. The actors found that sitting and rising presented special problems for their characters.

Many of the finer movements were taken form the actors' own relatives.

The first food on stage was crumb cake and coffee. The crumb cake was crumb cake and the coffee was cola.

The actors found challenges in reacting to the big news in character.

Grandmothers have their special way of fixing one's hair.

The "reason for him to stay" arrives.

More challenges with food. We were able to make passable veal cutlets out of styrofoam in the shop, however, that was all that was artificial. The vegetables were frozen and heated in a microwave, and the wine was fruit juice.

Special #3 was at the dinner table.

This area was lighted independently to represent the porch.

Some of the shows funniest moments came during this game. An actual Trivial Pursuit game was utilized.

Special #3 worked equally well during the game scene.

Nunzio decides to hide the truth about his health and let Nick go to make a new life.