Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey, but when he is offered a dream job in Seattle and tells his grandparents of his intention to move, the announcement is like a declaration of war.
They have already lost Nick's sister and parents to distant cities, so Nick's desire to move for professional advancement is the last straw. How can Nick abandon his family for a job on the far side of the country? What will happen to their weekly Sunday dinners?
Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around in Vegabond Players' deliciously entertaining theatre production of Over the River and Through the Woods.
Langley actor Andy Wood is returning to the Bernie Legge Theatre to take the role of Frank, Nick’s grandfather, who is so reluctant to lose his grandson to the West Coast.
Wood has been playing on stages all his life, but never more so than the past five years. He has been seen in classical and modern plays at various venues throughout the Lower Mainland.
This is his second production with the Vagabond Players, having previously played in The Importance of Being Uncle Roscoe.
The cast also includes William Valenzuela as Nick, the young man torn between family and career advancement, and Kimmie Kidd as the charmingly down-to-earth Caitlin, who forces him to rethink his attitude towards his grandparents.
The cast is rounded out by Mary Adams, Robert Bowes and Diana Sandberg, who shine as the other lively grandparents who are so determined to keep Nick near at hand.
Charm, wit and warmth abound in this delightful comedy. A treat not to be missed.
Directed by Rob Larsen, Over the River and Through the Woods runs Feb. 4 to 27 from Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for seniors; $13 for youth; and $10 for previews on Feb. 4 and 5.
Reservations can be made online at www.vagabondplayers.ca/tickets or by calling 604-521-0412.
The Bernie Legge Theatre is located at Queen’s Park in New Westminster.