This week instead of reviewing a movie I chose to review the Millbrook Community Player’s newest production, Over the River and Through the Woods. So here’s to trying something new. Enjoy.

The Plot: 

  Nick (Martin) is a second-generation Italian-American living in Hoboken, NJ (don’t let the Southern accents fool you) who faithfully convenes each Sunday for lunch with his grandparents, Frank (Johnson), Aida (Demuth), Nunzio (Neighbors) and Emma (White). When Nick gets an opportunity for a job promotion he is overcome with joy. That is until realizes he’ll have to break the news to his grandparents that the job will require him to relocate across the country.
  Of course, Nick’s grandparents don’t take the news seriously, assuming that their confused grandchild simply needs to find the right woman to occupy his interest and keep his feet firmly planted in Hoboken. Their incessant meddling thrusts Nick into an uncomfortable Sunday dinner in which he meets Caitlin (Brown) an Irish-American lass who takes a liking to Joe, but abhors his rudeness when it comes to his quirky grandparents.

The Point:

  The quality of a story versus the quality of an acting performance, when the two are in wide disparity is more prevalent with theatre than on film. As famed theatrical director John Landis said, “In movies today, everything is crap.” This is in part why I chose to review a play this time instead of a movie. Believe me, I saw Shrek the Third and it pales it comparison to its predecessors. 
  The disparity between story and performance with the MCP’s “Over the River and Through the Woods” falls clearly to the favor of the performance.
  It may be hard to imagine that you’re watching a family in Hoboken, NJ when you hear southern accents; but it is not hard to imagine that you’re watching a family. The grandparent’s performances, especially those by Demuth and White, were funny and believable. While a few of the performers seemed somewhat timid at times, they all came into their own towards the play’s conclusion.
  The Millbrook Community Players will be performing “Over the River and Through the Woods” this week on Friday and Saturday (May 25 & 26) at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.) with matinees on Saturday and Sunday (May 26 & 27) at 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.) at the Robinson Springs United Methodist Church in Millbrook. For more information including ticket information and directions to the church log on to www.millbrooktheatre.com or call (334) 546-1612.