SHERBURNE - Sherburne Music-Theater Society (SMTS) is in rehearsal for the first show of their 2026 season: Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro.

The play is a warm-hearted, boisterously funny, and touching story about intergenerational relationships, deep familial love, and the inevitable little heartbreaks that occur as time passes and children grow.

Nick (Craig Natoli) is 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. This is routine until he has to tell them that he’s been offered a dream job. The job he’s been waiting for – marketing executive – would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn’t sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family’s love to move to Seattle, for a job, wonder his grandparents? Well, Frank (Keven Simmons), Aida (Debi Pierce), Nunzio (David Dunham) and Emma (Lori Crumb) do their level best, and that includes bringing to dinner the lovely – and single – Caitlin O’Hare (Jada Kennedy) as bait.

Anyone, Italian or not, can relate to the sometimes contentious, but loving and hilarious family relationships portrayed in the show. It is full of many comic, but real moments that resonate with families of any and all nationalities. With over a hundred years of marriage between them, Frank and Aida and Nunzio and Emma show us every septuagenarian stereotype in the book. Frank’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely is waning, while Aida force-feeds anyone who comes within a fork’s distance of her front door. Nunzio is a picture-taking curmudgeon, though he dotes on his darling Emma who spends most of her time passing out Mass cards. Their commonality lies in their love for Nick, who is at times undeserving of their devotion.

SMTS is pleased to be performing once again at the Earlville Opera House, 18 East Main St. in Earlville, NY where they are artists-in-residence. Tickets are $10 for students/seniors, $15 for adults and are available by going to this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/over-the-river-and-through-the-woods-3 or by scanning the QR code found on the poster. Some tickets may be available at the door. 
Bring a friend and don’t miss this show! May 15th at 7 p.m., May 16th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Over the River and Through the Woods is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.concordtheatricals.com

Since its beginnings in 1967 and official incorporation in 1972, Sherburne Music-Theater Society has become an award-winning community theatre dedicated to excellence, while providing an opportunity for talented local thespians and musicians to utilize their skills. They have provided many audiences with memorable performances and statewide recognition. SMTS is a member of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS). For more information, please find us on Facebook or email us at info@sherburnemusictheater.org

- Information from Sherburne Music-Theater Society