DiPietro Comedy Will Journey Into Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT — The hysterical off-Broadway hit Over the River and Through the Woods will stop at Polka Dot Playhouse for performances January 18 through February 25. Presentations will be Thursday through Sunday evenings, and weekend afternoons.

Over the River and Through the Woods was created by Joe DiPietro, the author of the long-running hit I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Described as the Italian-American Neil Simon, Mr DiPietro has focused his play on a young man’s career decision and its humorous affects on his Italian-American family.

Over the River abounds in love, guilt, matchmaking, unsolicited advice and endless offers of food. With his parents retired and moved to Florida, Nick, a single Italian-American guy from New Jersey, keeps family ties by seeing both sets of grandparents every Sunday for dinner.

But the family routine is upset when Nick announces he has been offered his dream job. The job he has been waiting for — a marketing executive — would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents to the other side of the country. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around.

Dante Albertie brings extensive experience to directing the production. The co-founder and artistic director of Belmont Italian American Playhouse in the Bronx, Mr Albertie has numerous directing credits including the world premiere production of Over the River and Through the Woods. He also directed world premiere productions of Little Victories by Stephanie Stowe, Behind the Counter with Mussolini (Cable Ace Award/off-Broadway run) and In-Betweens by Brian Goluboff, and the New York premiere of Stone Carver by William Mastrosimone.

The talented cast features Jane Jepson, who has appeared in New York in Macbeth, Savage in Limbo, The Happy Journey to Camden and Trenton; Jason Nuzzo (playing Nick Cristano), who has appeared in New York and regional theater in Asleep at the Wheel (which he also wrote), Goner, City, Sweet Bird of Youth, and more; and the concerned grandparents, played by Frank Savino (Frank Gianelli), Mary Tahmin (Aida Gianelli), Lin Tucci (Emma Cristano) and John Marino (Nunzio Cristano).

Recently renovated, Polka Dot Playhouse is conveniently located at 177 State Street in revitalized downtown Bridgeport. It is just minutes off I-95 and the Route 25 Connector and a short walk from the Metro North Bridgeport train station. Free secure parking is available.

Performances of Over the River and Through the Woods at Polka Dot Playhouse are Thursday at 7 pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 4 and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets range from $23 to $30. Phone charges are welcome. Call the Polka Dot Playhouse box office at 203/333-3666 for information and tickets.