Elgin Theatre Co.'s 'Over the River and Through the Woods' a heartfelt comedy
Elgin Theatre Company's newest production will be "Over the River and Through the Woods," written by Joe DiPietro, the playwright who wrote "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and the book for The Tony Award-winning musical "Memphis."
"Over the River and Through the Woods" is a family comedy with a sense of humor dealing with the almost inevitable separation of loved ones when an adult child leaves the nest for good. "It's a heartfelt comedy," said director Richard Pahl.
The show opens Friday, Feb. 8 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 24, at Elgin Art Showcase.
"There are extremely funny parts and warm and touching parts, family stuff," said Tom Ochocinski of Plainfield, who plays one of the grandfathers.
Matt Hellyer of Algonquin plays Nick, a young professional whose promotion may take him from New York City and his beloved grandparents to Seattle. Nick is the last unmarried and doted-upon grandchild who shares Sunday dinner with both sets of grandparents who live two doors apart in Hoboken, New Jersey.
"He's very family-oriented and that's why he's stressed out," Hellyer said. "He's conflicted on whether he wants to do something for himself or to make everyone happy. He isn't sure whether he wants to break away from the location he's known all his life. So, it's easy to understand his own emotions and the reality he's facing."
For Hellyer, the most difficult aspect of portraying the character is how different he is from the high-strung Nick.
"It's a challenge to get myself into a fit of anger," he said. "He's much more career focused and he's trying to figure out what's right for him what's going to bring about the most success."
Ochocinski's challenge was less emotional and more musical.
"I had to learn the mandolin, two songs. It's a pretty instrument and makes beautiful music," he said. "I'd taken guitar so at least I knew how to create the rhythm. So, some of the music basics were there, but getting the technique is difficult to learn.
The play is a well-known vehicle for mature actors, sometimes a rare occurrence in theater, according to Pahl. For that reason, he wanted to be authentic with his choice of actors.
"The four grandparents are ostensibly in their 70s or 80s so I thought it was important to get actors that ... still have the ability to play that age but also play a comedy,"
Aside from the two younger characters, all the cast can be described as mature adults.
"The oldest cast member is 78 and we're all in our 60s. The director, Richard is the youngest at 63," said Ochocinski.
Mature actors auditioned in high numbers for the production. "I had an amazing turnout at the auditions. I am thrilled with my cast and I had a lot of options," Pahl said.
Hellyer found working with older adult actors was a bonus for him.
"I'm the baby here. I get to see a bunch of talented people who have been doing this for far longer than me. They sort of drop all pretense and are much more quick to let emotional feeling affect them and their characters," he said.
If the show has a message, it's aimed at Millennials, according to Hellyer.
"Maybe look at yourself through the eyes of others," Hellyer said. "It's very much about generational differences. Not so much on the page but, you shouldn't forget that these people have seen things that you are seeing for the first time."
Millennials shouldn't expect a sermon, however.
"(It's about) respect and a love for family. It's a very pro-family play," Pahl said, and encourages audiences to come prepared "for some belly laughs."
Other cast members include Richard Johnson of Bartlett, Jess Smith of Elgin, Linda Sak of Palatine and Arlene Arnone of St. Charles.
Tickets are $18-20 and available at www.elgin-theatre.org and by calling (847) 741-0532 or emailing tickets@inil.com.
If you go
What: Elgin Theatre Company’s production of “Over the River and Through the Woods”
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8-24
Where: Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin
Tickets: $20; $18 for seniors, age 65 or older, and students. Group rates are also available.
Contact: Call (847) 741-0532, email tickets@inil.com, or visit