Theater Review: Vienna's 'Over the River' a charming production

Vienna Theatre Company's production of "Over the River and Through the Woods" can be summed up in three syllables: de-light-ful.

Director Rosemary Hartman has assembled a solid cast and crew to bring Joe DiPietro's script to vibrant, funny life. In less capable hands, this show has the potential for disaster.

A story about a man hovering on the brink of 30, hanging out with his grandparents every Sunday, doesn't exactly scream "high comedy, and a story everyone can relate to." Some people might be turned away by the less-than-gripping synopsis on the VTC Web site, but that would be a mistake.

The set, designed by John Vasko, is a multi-dimensional dream; perfectly balanced to allow for visual interest and ease of movement by the actors.

The cast? Oh, the cast. I've rarely seen a more cohesive, comfortable set of actors on a stage. There are five main characters, frequently on stage at the same time, and the overlapping conversations and reality-based movement lend the audience a sense of eavesdropping. This is not acting you're watching; it's just genuine life.

Eric Storck plays Nick, the grandson torn between loyalty to his grandparents and a need to find his own way. Storck has solid comic timing, and his frustration is palpable.

David Segal's Frank, who immigrated to the U.S. at 14,

is the first of the grandparents we meet. Although Segal's makeup was a little heavy-handed, he does a nice job with the Italian accent. He beautifully delivers a pivotal speech about his father.

The always terrific Rose Declerq bounces onto stage as Frank's wife, Aida. She brings liveliness and joy to the stage with each appearance. Although the audience is already in tears by the end of the show, she really brings that home in a very understated and lovely monologue.

Donald Neal is just a hoot as Nick's other grandfather, Nunzio. (You may recognize him as the Baltimore Sun Rewrite Editor on HBO's "The Wire.") I found myself watching him most when the whole cast was onstage. He is fully at home on stage, and never made a false step.

Nunzio's wife, Emma, is brought to funny, straightforward life by Adriana Hardy. Her voice is a perfect match for her dialogue, and her performance gave this character a lot of appeal.

The only negatives in this show are so minimal as to make them hardly worth mentioning. The bulk of the show is set in 1988, but the dresses worn by Karn Henderson's Caitlin looked more suited to the 1950s.

There are moments when the characters speak directly to the audience, and in these moments the stage lights are dimmed and a spot is put on the actors. This can be a bit distracting, and a better way to handle these asides may exist, but it was a very minor element to a wonderful production.

I cannot recommend this show highly enough. Its humor, sentiment and accessibility guarantee it's a winner from the first moment.

Mary Jordan has been active in local theatre since 1992.

WANT TO GO?

» What's up: Vienna Theatre Company performs "Over the River and Through the Woods"

» Where: 120 Cherry Street, Vienna

» When: Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. Most Sunday matinee performances include sign interpretation for the hearing impaired.

» Tickets: $10 for adults; $9 for students and seniors, and may not be purchased in advance

» Info: www.viennatheatrecompany.com or e-mail vtcshows@yahoo.com.