It may sound like a holiday show – but this comedy’s title comes from a popular song that we all hear around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The first verse is, “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.” Retired Civic Marketing Director Ben Zylman is finding his way back to the Civic to direct this funny, heartwarming play about faith, family, and food!

Zylman saw the original Off-Broadway production and fell in love with it instantly, as the characters are easy to relate to, and the humor is genuine. He states, “The themes in this play are so universal. It takes an affectionate look at family and the expectations we place on each other. Sometimes we’re not able to meet those expectations and fully live the lives we’ve chosen for ourselves.” Zylman notes that there are many wonderfully funny moments in the show, and he loves the interaction between the characters. “It’s so real and recognizable, and our actors have done a wonderful job of capturing that.”

Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
Pictured from left: Dave Stubbs, Cynthia Stech, Kevin Morse, Helen Osterwald, Saul J. Amdursky
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Audiences will meet Nicky Cristano, a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida, but that doesn't mean his family isn't still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. When Nicky tells them he has been offered the job of a lifetime – in Seattle - the news doesn't sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nicky from leaving home, and his grandmother’s weekly 15 pound lasagnas!

Since the play revolves around an Italian family, Zylman says it seems that every scene involves food, which will be supplied by the Civic’s Properties Master, Stacy Bartell. Zylman confessed, “Since I’ve never turned my stove on, I don’t think I would be of much help if it was up to me to supply the food!”

Zylman was asked what it’s like to be back at the Civic after retiring in May. He said, “When I retired from my day job at the Civic, it was my intention to remain active as a volunteer actor and guest director. The Civic has been my home away from home for so many years, I couldn’t imagine not being involved at some level.” Since his retirement Ben directed the United Teens Talent Show for the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, provided some consultative services for the Barn Theatre in Augusta, has been pursuing his passion for photography and has spent a lot of time with family and friends.

Over the River and Through the Woods is funny, poignant, straight to the heart and beautifully written. Just like the song title which brings back memories of family get-together during happy times, the love of family is the theme that runs through this warm-hearted comedy.

Over the River and Through the Woods plays in the Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park St. on January 15,16, 21, 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 24th at 2:00 pm.

Tickets are available through the Civic Box Office at 269-343-1313 or online at www.kazoocivic.com.

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