Nick Cristano is up for a well-deserved promotion, but it’s not easy to explain to his grandparents. Nick and his folks enjoy each other’s company, in the way only relatives can. They laugh, they squabble, they sing. They accept and appreciate you. Everything chipper and relaxed. Of course, elders have their own way of reasoning. It’s crazy-making. Like talking in French when it’s heard in Greek.
Hey Nicky, how’s it going with that redhead you’ve been dating? Gramps, I never dated a redhead. What’s wrong with a redhead? Nothing, Gramps. Then why did you drop her? I didn’t drop anybody, Gramps.
When Nick explains he must move to another part of the country, they’re appalled. You could say they’re meddling, but they have a point. They invite an eligible girl to Sunday dinner. On the QT. This is ridiculously inappropriate, certainly, but she’s a catch. When they discuss the impact of moving, they’re not being manipulative. Their connection to Nick is solid. Formidable. It’s who they are. Nick no doubt has a say in his future, but how can he ignore his caring, nurturing, exasperating family? It feels impossible not to hope, but hurt is unavoidable.
Like Neil Simon, playwright Joe DiPietro alleviates pain with irony. Comedy turns on irony. The grandparents hit a conversational loop, and DiPietro revels in the absurd rhythm. Like Who’s on First? DiPietro has a more subtle technique than Simon, his punchlines blend with less fanfare. With poise and authenticity, the humor and pathos come through.
Co-Directors Rachael Lindley and Lorna Woodford have done nicely by Over the River and Through the Woods, a narrative that ponders the loss that comes with a nuclear family. The decision to have only one generation under the roof. Over the River leans a bit more toward John Guare than Clifford Odets. It’s rare to see six actors (it feels like more) submerged in character without fuss or exaggeration. Charming, confident, ensemble work that sneaks up. Richardson Theatre Company has set the bar high with Over the River.
C’mon. Do yourself a favor.
Richardson Theatre Centre presents: Over the River and Through the Woods: playing April 10th through May 3rd, 2026. 518 West Arapaho Road, Suite 113, Richardson, Texas 75080. 972-699-1130