“Over the River and Through the Woods” is a folktale-ish phrase that evokes heading out to see grandparents. It’s also the name of an endearing play.
In time for these Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Murphys Creek Theatre is reprising a 1998 Off-Broadway play that has been before produced both at MCT and the former Stage 3 Theatre in Sonora by local theater luminaries with whom the work obviously continues to resonate.
Written by Tony Award-winning playwright and lyricist Joe DiPietro (Memphis; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), the story is about a much loved grandson and his four Italian grandparents who devise a hilarious plan to keep him a New Jersey local after he shares word he has been promoted to a position in Seattle. We’ll leave it at that so there are no plot spoilers to enjoy the ensuing laughs, tender and tough love parts, oh, yes, and heartstring-pulling.
As MCT Artistic Director Todd Thomas puts it, “(The play) reminds us–especially this time of year–that what keeps us grounded isn’t just family, but the chaos and connection we share around the table.”
Thomas, who actually played the part of Nick, the grandson in the 2003 production at Stage 3, called the play a personal favorite. The show’s director, Maryann Curmi, also acted in that production, and has since directed it once there and in 2017 at MCT.
“It’s relatable to just about everyone…in a different way. It’s a very well-written play that makes you smile and laugh out loud, but it also tugs on your heartstrings when it gets real,” she confided.
Playing the four grandparents are MCT veteran performers Don Bilotti (Curmi’s long-time partner), Sally McClellan, Tom Fregosi and Sharon Parris. Kyle Moses is Nick. Charlie Vershay plays hopeful love interest Caitlin. According to Curmi, McClellan and Parris, in reprising their granny roles and Moses as Nick is a homecoming for all of them as they stage the work again.
“(Casting) Don was a no-brainer. He’s one of the finest actors I know.
I begged him and he accepted,” Curmi shared. She said that Fregosi, new to MCT, nabbed the role by auditioning very well, adding that Vershay, now in her tenth MCT production, is a favorite cohort she is happy to complete the ensemble.
Adding to the theatrical-familial ties, Thomas took the opportunity to give thanks to Curmi and Bilotti for their contributions to the Mother Lode scene. “MCT would not be where it is today without (them). I have known them for 23 years, and since I’ve been Artistic Director, I’ve approached them about directing productions at MCT. I am so glad to have them both working with us on this show and hope to have them back soon.“
The show plays through Dec. 14 under MCT’s pay-what-you-can ticketing, which is being extended through 2026, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The work is rated as family-friendly fun that is recommended for ages 10 and up. For more details and tickets visit murphyscreektheatre.org.
Thomas added that MCT has been awarded an Arts and Youth grant from the California Arts Council, enabling it to revive its Mirror Project next summer. He described the endeavor as an immersive, professional-level summer theatre conservatory for aspiring young actors and directors, involving teaching artists from across the country for four weeks of intensive training from June 15-July 12.
“This means we will be including a Shakespeare production as part of our 2026 season,” Thomas enthused. “And I assure you it is one that MCT, with a long history of producing Shakespeare, has never produced.
As for next season, we are planning to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation with scripts that are poignant, topical, intelligent, and hilarious. Not necessarily in that order!”
While details on the 2026 MCT season are still forthcoming, Thomas reminds the public that “Curtain Call Karaoke: A Broadway New Year’s Eve Bash,” will be held at MCT on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The event is being billed as a way to “sing, sip, celebrate and take a bow on 2025” by enabling and encouraging party goers to take the stage and sing contemporary musical theatre hits, solo if they want, and in group sing-alongs along with cheering others on.
There will also be dance party breaks on stage under the disco ball.
“Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a shower singer, you’ll fit right in,” Thomas said. “Ring in 2026 with music, laughter, and a little Broadway magic.” A full Broadway karaoke catalog is being loaded for the occasion, he confided, including tuneage from Wicked, Hamilton, Les Mis, The Little Mermaid, Guys & Dolls, Hadestown, Frozen, and Dear Evan Hansen.
Tickets to the soiree are $30/person; $50/two-people, and include one drink ticket per person. Throughout the evening beer, wine, sparkling wine, specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, including for the midnight toast. Local food trucks, parked and prepped, will also have party food options available just outside the theatre. Again, for details go to murphyscreektheatre.org.
