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‘Over the River’ begins Salem season
By Eric mccrea
salem
Salem Community Theater opens its 40th season with a strong play that hits the nail on the head. “Over the River, and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro is a comedy about familial relations, and the impacts they have on our lives.
Nick, played by Paul Dahman, visits his grandparents every Sunday, but this week, he has a heavy message to deliver. A recent promotion means he’ll move to Seattle, leaving his grandparents alone in New Jersey. The announcement brings a quadruple dose of Catholic guilt for Nick as his grandparents plot to keep him local. His grandmother Emma (Denise Sculli) brings a young lady to dinner, but it’s his grandfather Nunzio (Chuck Simon) who can really keep Nick in Hoboken. After a trip to the hospital, things get a lot more serious, and Nick’s decision weighs on everyone.
Director Christopher Fidram has done it again. Assembling a wildly talented cast, he has created magic. While billed as a comedy, “Over the River” is a very emotional ride, touching on strong family ties. Fidram fills his plays with precision and unity, and his intuition is impressive.
Dahman delivered a solid performance as Nick, almost serving as both protagonist and antagonist at the same time. The story is about him, but in a way, he’s responsible for the conflict as well. Dahman shouldered this responsibility well, with an optimistic grin, and a touching affection.
Simon and Sculli were hilarious together. Their command over volume alone garnered some of the biggest laughs of the evening. They became the epitome of grandparentness. When they walked on stage, one could almost smell butterscotch, as if at any moment, hard candies would come tumbling from Aida’s pockets.
In the role of Frank, Samuel Joseph Perry was amazing. Stoic and wise with a healthy serving of cheesiness, his performance was familiar. We’ve all known guys like this, and if we were lucky, they were our grandfathers.
Ruth Newman is phenomenal as Aida. I’ve had the chance to see her in previous performances, and she’s always proved capable, but this time was different. In this role, she is exceptional. She boldly displayed a level of vulnerability and sweetness paired with strong family devotion. Brava Mrs. Newman.
Also appearing was Jennifer Milligan in the supporting role of Caitlin, Nick’s blind date. She was delightful and charming, adding a gleeful warmth to the stage.
Completing the entire experience was a great set designed by Mark Frost. Making great use of the space, the audience was invited not just into a theater, but a home. Creative use of lighting, designed by Barry Hinchliff Jr. made aside narration feel organic in the middle of a dining room.
“Over the River and Through the Woods” runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. this weekend. For reservations, call 330-332-9688.