Local stage Pentacle Theatre’s new production “Over the River and Through the Woods” is scheduled to open Friday, July 13th. Tickets for opening night are $20 (includes $2 surcharge for catering) and can be purchased in advance at PentacleTheatre.org or at the ticket office at 145 Liberty St. NE. The theater is located at 324 52nd Ave. NW Salem.
The play tells the story of a young Italian-American man named Nick Cristano, who informs his meddling but caring grandparents that he is moving across the country to take a dream job. Of course, the grandparents won’t let him go so easy, and have a trick up their sleeve to keep him around.
“It’s about family; it’s about an ideal family… they’re quirky and annoying, but they are absolutely charming,” said director Jennifer Gimzewski.
“It’s about the old and new, and the attitudes about family. It’s about coming to terms with that. It’s very funny, but it’s also very heartfelt.”
The production, which was written by Joe DiPietro, features a veteran ensemble cast, including Jo Dodge, who hosts an acting class at Pentacle Theatre, and Dick Bond, who, according to Gimzewski, has been associated with the community theater for roughly 40 years. Dodge and Bond form one half of the grandparents.
Jeffree Presler portrays Nick, Lyndsey Houser and Fred Allen play the other set of grandparents and Jessica Pokorny is Caitlin, Nick’s potential love interest.
The crew features Assistant Director Karen McCarty, who has directorial experience from last year’s production “Educating Lisa.”
Gimzewski is new to the director’s chair, but has been affiliated with the Pentacle Theatre as an actress, assistant director and board member for parts of the past seven years.
“It’s been a very positive experience,” said Gimzewski. “The actors I’ve been working with have made directing the show very easy for me. They are such professionals. Such great actors.”
