Over the river to ... Over The River and Through the Woods

This reviewer braved the elements to catch this heart-warming presentation

(Theatre Reviewer: Robert Cox)

February 6, 2010

Our recent Hampton Roads weather has caused lots of jumping and shuffling by us all. In order to carry through with planned events. Last weekend’s opening of Poquoson Island Players, “Over the River and Through the Woods”, was postponed a week and opened last night at their new “home” on the Thomas Nelson Community College Campus in the Mary T. Christian Auditorium. I schlupped my way across the James River bridge in the rain last night in order to make the first performance. A nasty trip, but worth the effort.

Kimberly Vernall directed a nicely balanced ensemble cast in this staple comedy classic centering around “tengo familia”. The struggle of a young man anticipating a career move which would take him away from the his two sets of overly possessive Italian grandparents as they cannot imagine why he would want such a change in his life. John Cauthen, carries well the role of the fawned over “Nick”. His performance provides a steady and even foundation to which the rest of the cast can attach themselves, showing a good comfort level on the stage and with his character. A fine casting choice which balances the more comedic roles of the two sets of grandparents.

Madoline Wallace and Rafael de Echeandia are paired as the maternal grandparents in whose home the action takes place. They are a nicely matched couple, offering a constant supply of food (Aida’s solution for any occasion or problem), and platitudes (Frank’s confident knowledge of all things poignant). These two actors provide a subdued energy level which is contrasted, I’m thinking the directors intention, by the overflowing energy of the other set of grandparents. Lydia Mugler is a delight and brings us an energy level which brightens the show as she pairs up perfectly with Mike White, as the paternal grandparents. She gives us a convincing and appropriate portrayal of Emma that is a blend of flavorful ethnicity and and yankee influences. Her husband, Nunzio, is played as a believable and natural half of a matched set. The balance of these two couples, with Nick as the fulcrum is the pleasure of the Joe Di Pietro’s script.

Rounding out the cast, is Kate Goddin, as the prospective girlfriend, Caitlyn, who is summoned up as prospective bait to give reason for Nick to forgo his move. Caitlyn shares Nick’s confused state at the situation with an energy not quite meeting the situation. Perhaps, the director’s design.

I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more movement in the blocking of the scenes as it might have raised the overall energy level of the show. The transitions from the general action on stage, to and from the periodic narratives offered by the individual characters seemed to lack crispness and definition. A more isolated position and lighting for these would have accentuated them more.

I enjoyed this production as it was kept moving at a pace appropriate to the script and for the cast. There was a nice comfortable smoothness which became evident as the show progressed. I credit this to the director’s blend of the cast and their understanding of the thrust of the author’s intent. I believe he wanted to share with us the meaningfulness of family and I believe both he and the PIPS crew brought this to the audience.

As I write this on Saturday morning after the show, I watch the snow blowing hard again outside of my window. How this will effect the rest of the performance schedule for the show is questionable. There are five performances remaining. We hope that the weather will allow them to go on. Its good theatre and a nice job by the PIPS group which has worked very hard to bring you a quality production of a funny and meaningful play. Its well worth the effort to “schlupp” through the slush if you can make it.

Tickets are still available at the door or by calling 881-9797. For further information, you can visit the Poquoson Island Players at http://www.pipstheatre.com .