Comedy based on family themes pleases at the Firebarn

By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

"We're not people, we're your family," is one of the statements made in Joe DiPietro's hilarious comedy, "Over the River and Through the Woods." The show is offered by the Little Theatre of Fall River again this weekend, in the cool confines of its 88-seat Firebarn.

It's about family, Italian style, which requires gatherings to be loud, passionate, opinionated -- but, nothing that can't be fixed by a gallon pot of sauce on the stove, some "nice" veal from Pathmark and Nonna's special cannolli.

The lines are priceless and the situations are wonderful. Yet, the lesson emerges that the very things that make us cringe and fume about our own families are the things that bring us back to them, in good times and bad.

"Tengo famiglia" is the battle cry of young Nicky's family. Simply translated, it means "keep or hold family together." To Grandpa Frank (Ron Robinson), it means "I am a man, I am proud, I have a job, there is food on the table, I provide for and protect my family."

Director Betty Teixeira-Ward has literally nurtured the show's progress from the time rehearsals began. The end result is warm and believable. "It doesn't matter if the characters are Italian or any other nationality ... for the show to have an appeal," says Ms. Teixeira-Ward.

You can easily substitute your own grandparents for Nicky's two sets of loving, caring, smothering people.

Nick is honestly portrayed by David Ciampa. He has a firm hold on the role and spouts the kinds of lines that are readily identifiable to those who share the feeling of having been raised by Martians.

"These are the loudest people I ever met. How did I come from these people?" he asks. His grandparents became his only close family when his parents moved to Florida.

Mr. Ciampa is astute at balancing frustration, patience and love for these old Italian folks. In transistional scenes, he seamlessly glides from impatience and anger to deep-seated love and compassion for them. He and his grandparents learn that doing things one way is not always the best way for everyone. While his decision to take a new job across the country inspires much disdain and worry in his grandparents, Nick comes to know them better as real people, not just eccentric characters. Mr. Ciampa's acceptance and realization of this fact is beautifully realized.

"Grandparents never intended that the world they created for us would take us away from them. They have to let us go, but they keep a place at the table for our return," notes Ms. Teixeira-Ward. A place at the table is especially important if you come from an Italian family.

Ron Robinson paints a portrait of a deep-feeling, non-demonstrative man. Frank is a man of few words, all of which say how much he loves his grandson. The grandfathers are usually the prime targets for some of the best, most honest dialogue in the play. Mr. Robinson beautifully rolls with the punches, and throws in some of his own.

Suzie Gardiner plays his wife, Aida, affectionately referred to as Nan by Nicky. Ms. Gardiner delivers a performance that will make grandmas in the audience nod their heads and wipe their tears along with this character. Nan, in whose home the action occurs, is the matriarch who controls crises from the kitchen. In the worst moments, Aida can be counted on to inquire, "Who's hungry?"

Martha Peladeau returns to the Firebarn stage as Grandma Emma. Her presence is welcomed and loved by viewers.

Emma is the kind of woman who tells it like it is. Her candor is believable and very funny. You'll feel like you're with one of your own relatives, the one who often comes up with unexpected gems at the dinner table. Compassionate transitions and sincere monologues are this actor's forte.

It's always exciting for actors to watch other actors perform. Richard Pelletier as Grandpa Nunzio will give you a run for your money. Many people know Mr. Pelletier for his outstanding credits as a director and community leader in support of local performing arts.

However, even if we knew none of that or never had the privilege of knowing him, we'd come away amazed at what he creates in this role. Mr. Pelletier is strong and pivotal. He makes Nunzio his own complete entity, personalizing him in a way that leaves him in our hearts and minds long after the show ends.

Mr. Pelletier's daughter, Christine, joins the cast in the role of Caitlin, the lovely and bubbly girl-next-door love interest forced on Nick by his grandparents. Ms. Pelletier is perfect for this down-to-earth role. She is refreshing and capable.

From the first moment we meet this unique bunch, we begin to see shades of our own family dynamics. Make sure you find your way "over thc river and through thc woods to ... grandmother's house" this weekend. It's an unforgettable place to be. Tengo famiglia!

The Little Theatre of Fall River presents "Over the River and Through the Woods" at 8 p.m. tomorrow through Saturday and at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Firebarn, 340 Prospect St., Fall River. Tickets are $12, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call (508) 675-1852.

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