JOPLIN, Mo. —
Ann Lile sees shades of her family in "Over the River and Through the Woods," and so do many of the cast members.
"My parents weren't Italian immigrants," said Lile, director of the production at Joplin Little Theatre. "But the way they interacted with each other is just like the play. They were constantly together."
The play will be staged Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 9, at the theater. Though it is not a holiday play, it is infused with a feeling reminiscent of the holidays, Lile said.
"It's set in the summertime," Lile said. "But it has a family feeling like there is around the holidays. It strikes a chord. It's poignant, sweet and sad."
The story of Nick, a single, New Jersey man whose parents have moved to Florida, the play focuses on his Sunday dinners with his grandparents. When his dream job in Seattle opens up, the news doesn't sit well with his Italian immigrant elders, who do everything they can to keep him home.
The play stars Lile's husband, Jim Lile, and Carolyn McGowan as the grandparents and Tony Flint as Nick. Other actors include Shanti Navarre, Neal Ruggeberg and Ashley Trotnic.
A common theme runs throughout the play: the Italian words "tengo famiglia." One of the characters explains what the phrase means. "If you translate it literally, it means 'support the family,'" Lile said. "But it's more than that. It's being there in every kind of circumstance, being a person who can support your family."
Lile first saw the play when a friend living in Texas directed it. She liked it and brought it to the producers at the theater, then was given the chance to direct it.
The play is structured with monologues delivered straight to the audience, Lile said. Where the action of the play happens years before, Nick talks about his deeper understanding of his grandparents, and his former feelings of annoyance.
Want to go?
"Over the River and Through the Woods" will be presented at 7:30 Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 8 and at 2:30 on Sunday, Dec. 9. Tickets: $13, $11 for seniors and students, $5 for children. Details: 417-623-3638.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
-
Tony Flint (foreground) reacts during a rehearsal with Neal Ruggeberg, Shanti Navarre, Jim Lile and Carolyn McGowan in this scene from "Over the River and Through the Woods." Courtesy | Ann Lile
Discussion
Summertime play has holiday, family feel
- Lifestyles
-
-
Prototype of a drying rack for Stars of Hope earns award, emotional response
Michael Moritz, Travis Coffee and Kenneth Paylor had no idea that an assignment for their senior design class at Missouri Southern State University would win an award or the emotional gratitude from a service organization.
-
Ryan Richardson: Groups give tips for preventing dog bites
When I was a teenager in the '90s I had an unfortunate incident with my neighbor's dog, a Brittany, that I had grown up with. It took a chunk out of my thigh when I went into the neighbors' yard to retrieve a ball.
-
Frankie Meyer: Information is only as good as its source
Those details later become crucial as contradictory information is found, which it will be. How can one decide which detail is correct if the sources of the details are unknown?
-
Jeana Gockley: Library lines up reading club books
The Joplin Public Library's annual Summer Reading Club kicks off on Tuesday, May 28, so in preparation for a great summer of reading, I have been digging for titles that fit with this year's "Dig Into Reading" theme.
-
Joplin church among United Methodists participating in worldwide event
Byers Avenue United Methodist will be among churches around the globe uniting for Change the World, the fourth annual such event that has spread like wildfire throughout the United Methodist denomination.
-
Craig Tally: Science, theology can coexist
It doesn't seem to matter that there are scientists who express faith in God, and there are religionists who have a high regard for science. Indeed, there are many people of faith who embrace the discoveries of science without fear and trembling.
-
Benji Tunnell: Outside of the theater, movies are still entertaining
Every once in a while, I like to take a break from the weekly movie grind and explore some other entertainment avenues. Being a movie geek, I often gravitate toward film-related stuff.
-
Jeremiah Tucker: New Vampire Weekend album has shades of 'Pet Sounds'
The New York band's third full-length release, "Modern Vampires of the City," an instant classic and the best album of the year, feels like a sequel to that song. It is a record about being on the cusp of real, out-of-your-20s, unromantic adulthood and the terror that accompanies the narrowing of your options.
-
Joe Hadsall: Grilling cookbook packed with inspiration
With a healthy supply of flat irons, I've been able to experiment with a new grilling cookbook that has turned out to pretty handy and comprehensive.
-
Rummage sale to benefit foster parents
A rummage sale this weekend will help raise funds for foster parents dealing with cancer.
- More Lifestyles Headlines
-
