Masquers brings relatively unknown gem 'Over the River and Through the Woods' to Manitowoc Capitol stage March 9-11
MANITOWOC - “We’re not people, we’re family.”
This phrase, spoken by Frank Gianelli from a little gem of a play about an Italian-American family, embodies the heart and soul of Joe DiPietro’s ode to families everywhere.
This winter, find warmth in the story of love, life and family with The Masquers’ production of "Over the River and Through the Woods."
Performances will be at the Capitol Civic Centre, 913 S. Eighth St., at 7:30 p.m. March 9-11. Tickets can be purchased at cccshows.org or by calling 920-683-2184.
Masquers newcomer plays carefree bachelor Nick Gianelli
The play centers on Nick Gianelli, a carefree bachelor from New Jersey who visits his ethnic Italian grandparents almost every Sunday for dinner.
Nick has some big news to tell, and makes an unscheduled appearance one Thursday, setting off a chain of events the Gianellis will not soon forget.
New to The Masquers’ stage, Adam Braunel takes on the role of Nick, with his real-life wife, Courtney Braunel, playing the fiery Irish woman named Caitlin his grandparents try to set him up with.
Masquers veterans take on the roles of the grandparents: Warren Schmidt (Frank), Claran LaViolette (Aida), Tom Bartelme (Nunzio) and Cindy Bradley (Emma).
Director drawn to story about 'real' people and family
"Over the River and Through the Woods" ran off-Broadway for 800 performances for more than two years.
Although the show is not widely known, it has found a home on many community theater stages since its first performance back in 1998.
Sparking interest in a relatively unknown show can be quite a challenge. Masquers member J Gravelle takes on that challenge as a first-time director with gusto.
What drew J to this small show that is nearly unheard of?
“I love the script,” he said. “Love the play. Hate the title. It’s not a play about Thanksgiving. It’s about family.
"The characters are well-written," he added. "They’re real people. They’re Italian Catholics. It’s a crossover I can relate to.”
A 'relatable' show for all ages
If there is one word to summarize "Over the River and Through the Woods," that word is "relatable."
When asked what sort of audience the show would appeal to, Warren Schmidt, who plays Nick’s grandfather, Frank, responded: “Everybody. Every age. Anybody who has ever had a family.
“There’s something about when three generations are put in the same room," Schmidt said. "There’s a lot of connecting, a lot of misunderstanding and a lot of love.”
The loud-mouthed Nunzio, played by Tom Bartelme, adds with a glint in his eye: “If you really listen, this show appeals to everyone. Everyone has grandparents. You’ll think about your own family while you’re watching it.”
However, as universal as the story is, that doesn’t make it a forgettable story.
The Gianellis' tale is heartfelt and memorable. It’s one that many will relate to because it’s about a family — a family not too far off from their own. It’s a story full of lovable and kooky people; the same type of people who most can claim in their own families.
When asked about the universal appeal of the show, Schmidt replied: “Family. Put simply, it’s family. It’s the fun times. It’s the sad times. It’s plain old family and how we’re all different and a lot alike in a lot of ways.”
Cindy Bradley was only too eager to bring her character, Emma, Nick’s loud-mouthed grandmother, to The Masquers’ stage.
“I thought the script was funny, yet it grabbed at your heartstrings,” she said. “It’s a really heartwarming story. And frankly, I was drawn to my character, Emma. She’s a loudmouth Italian with a big heart. I’m a loudmouth Norwegian with a big heart,” she joked heartily, “and we both love our grandchildren.”
'A great time. A whole bunch of laughs.'
What should the audience take away after watching this play?
For Adam Braunel, the young man who plays Nick, it’s this: “A great time. A whole bunch of laughs. A whole bunch of memories, and I hope they take away a connection.”
Director J Gravelle has many wishes and hopes for the success of this show, and he has high hopes the audience will fall in love with this little theater gem as much as he did.
“I hope we cover all the bases. I hope we make them laugh,” he said with a smile. “I hope we make them a little misty. When I go to a play, I like to throw my heart up on the stage and let the cast do with it what they will.”
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With family at the core of the story and lovable characters everyone can relate to, "Over the River and Through the Woods" has a lot to offer this winter.
Warm your bones with a good laugh.
Chill your heart with a good cry.
But most importantly, share the joy of family.
The Masquers family invites your family this March to share the Gianellis' story of family, food and the journey of life.
If you go
What: The Masquers, Inc., presents "Over the River and Through the Woods"
When: 7:30 p.m. March 9-11
Where: The Capitol Civic Centre, 913 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc
Tickets: $24 for adults, $16 for ages 18 and younger are available at the Capitol Civic Centre box office, online at cccshows.org or by calling 920-683-2184.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc Masquers theater stages Over the River and Through the Woods
