Grandparents convinced they know best in ‘Over the River and Through the Woods’

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Parents aren’t the only ones who have to grapple with empty nest syndrome. Sometimes it’s tough for grandparents to watch their grandkids fly away, too.

Nick, a single Italian American living in his native New Jersey, learns just how hard it is for grandparents to let go in the heartwarming comedy, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” which will be produced by Grosse Pointe Theatre Nov. 15-24 in the auditorium at Grosse Pointe South High School in Grosse Pointe Farms. The last of the grandkids living locally, Nick still has dinner with both sets of his grandparents each Sunday, so when he learns he’s landed his dream job — marketing executive — on the other side of the country, his grandparents are desperate to find a way to make him stay.

“It’s a really charming story that I think everyone can relate to,” said Joanna Panago, of Grosse Pointe Woods, who’s serving as the stage manager. “The production is incredibly well done and the actors will touch your heart in a way you wouldn’t expect.”

Bill McCarthy, of Grosse Pointe Farms, plays Frank and Sal Rubino, of St. Clair Shores, plays Nunzio, the two grandfathers. McCarthy will mark his 50th anniversary with GPT in June 2025; he said his first show with them was “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

“For me, it’s really great to be back on the main stage,” said McCarthy, noting that there aren’t a lot of roles for seniors in most shows.

Rubino, who is of Italian descent, could connect with the characters on a personal level, but he said that while there are some specific cultural aspects to the story, it’s also a tale that people of all ethnicities can appreciate.

“Even though it’s about an Italian family, it’s universal,” Rubino said. “It’s about family. It’s about food and how food unites people.”

Director Laura Ver Beek, of Grosse Pointe Park, agreed.

“What drew me was the witty, fun nature of it,” Ver Beek said. “I really appreciate that element of it. It also has moments of pathos.”

McCarthy concurred.

“If we perform it correctly, you’ll laugh and you’ll cry,” McCarthy said.

Other actors in the cast include Robby Mullinger as Nick Cristano, Eileen S. White as Aida Gianelli, Kate Sweeney as Emma Cristano and Bronwen Mischel as Caitlin O’Hare.

This is the first time GPT has staged a show at South.

“It is a charming auditorium but the stage is smaller than what we typically perform on for a Mainstage production,” Ver Beek said in a press release.  “It suits this show because there is just one set that doesn’t change. One of the challenges is that we couldn’t fit a side porch, which is called for in the script. Instead, we have created an outdoor space where private conversations happen, simply with lighting. Another challenge is blocking, which is the movement of the actors on stage. Six actors on stage at the same time in a small space is very tricky!”

GPT first performed “Over the River” in 2004. The show is set in the 1980s, so audiences can expect references to technology from that era.

“It’s a really fun show,” Ver Beek said. “It’s fast-paced and snappy.”

Ver Beek said audiences “will belly laugh” and “be touched” by the story.

“They will be drawn into the family,” Ver Beek said. “It’s a family story that’s older than the hills. It’s about generation gaps and what makes a family a family.”

All families attending the show will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card from Guadino’s, 27929 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores. One winner will be drawn at each performance.

Grosse Pointe South High School is located at 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms. Tickets cost $35 per person for weekend shows and $25 per person for midweek shows on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For tickets or more information, visit gpt.org or call the GPT box office at (313) 881-4004.