Over the River and Through The Woods at Montgomery Theater

Twenty-nine-year-old Nick Cristano has faithfully visited his four grandparents every Sunday in New Jersey, where he grew up, for as long as he could remember. But now, the young man, who lives and works in New York City, has been offered a significant promotion in Seattle, across the country. Since Nick’s parents are in Florida and his sister is in San Diego, he gives great comfort to his grandparents who don’t want him to leave and try in many ways to keep him close by.  That is the story behind “Over the River and Through the Woods,” by Joe DiPietro, now playing at Montgomery Theater in Souderton, PA. It is both a heartfelt drama and the funniest play I’ve seen all year.

            When Nick (Adam Howard) comes to tell his grandparents about his move to Seattle, it takes him almost ten minutes to simply get a word in because they are constantly talking about so many other things. He loves them but struggles every time he is with them. They belittle the therapy he is getting. One grandmother thinks the answer to all his problems can be solved by eating her food. Though they dote on him, they are constantly meddling in his life. They come up with a plan.

            At the next Sunday dinner, before he has finalized his plan to move, they invite a young woman to dinner without telling him, hoping that their still unmarried grandson will connect, and he will not leave.

            I was not familiar with DiPietro, the playwright, though he has quite a resume. He won Tony Awards for his musical, “Memphis.”  He also wrote the book and lyrics for “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” In “Over the River and Through the Woods” he relates the stories about the talks and bickering of this Italian American family. It is full of so many comic but real moments that resonate with families of any and all nationalities.  Their responses to his decision to leave are so much fun to listen to.  That first act of about an hour moved so swiftly, it felt like 20 minutes.

            While the second act deals with more of the issues in their lives and the struggles they have faced in the past and going forward, it is every bit as riveting as the first act. Adam Howard does an outstanding job in portraying Nick’s mixed emotions, from anger to confusion to coping to love as he tries to make his decision. Director Matthew Pfeiffer has taken DiPietro’s words and with this marvelous ensemble of grandparents (John Hedges, Linda Palmarozza, Janis Dardaris, and Joe Canuso) and has given us a smart comedy with powerful undertones.

            I highly recommend this noteworthy play. There is so much to love about it, and you will laugh while you do!

“Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DePietro at Montgomery Theater, 124 Main Street, Souderton, PA 18964. 215-723-9984   montgomerytheater.org   thru December 7, 2025