Family values at the core of "Over the River and Through the Woods"

In its third play of the season this week, ESU Summer Theatre will explore the ties that bind a young man to his elderly grandparents.

"Over the River and Through the Woods" is the story of Nick, a marketing manager who is eager to accept a promotion in Seattle, far from his doting New Jersey grandparents, but they have other plans for his future. They arrange for him to meet Caitlin O'Hare, a woman with whom he is immediately smitten. Suddenly, his decision to move is complicated by his attraction and his sense of responsibility.

"This play is a thoroughly charming, funny and immensely tender exploration of the love and frustration that exists when a group of people are committed to the concept of family," said director Jim Ryan.

Jason Smith of Lawrence and Dru Rutledge of Emporia play Nick and Caitlin. The grandparents are portrayed by Nathan Magee, Meghann Henry, Katie Reinsel and John Hennington.

"Over the River and Through the Woods" opens Wednesday night July 9 at 8 p.m. in the ESU Bruder Theater in King Hall. Performances run through Saturday at 8 p.m. each night.

Tickets are $8 for the general public; $7 for senior citizens and $5 for students and youth. Reservations are available through the King Hall Box Office at (620) 342-5374. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and one hour before each performance.

The ESU Summer Theatre season will wrap up with the Stephen Sondheim musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" July 23-26.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>