A. D. Players Stage OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, Now thru 6/29

A. D. Players announces that Over the River and Through the Woods will open today, May 28th and run through June 29, 2014 on their Grace Theater stage.

This terrifically funny comedy captures the classic American dilemma of family vs. career. Nick has just been offered his dream job in Seattle, but there are four problems: his four Italian American grandparents. They will go to great lengths, including matchmaking, to keep him from leaving. You don't have to be Italian to fall in love with these meddling grandparents or to laugh till you cry at the joys and annoyances of being part of this family.

"This play deals with those life decisions. How do we make decisions to leave those that we love and conversely how do we let go of the people that we love when it is time for them to go? It is a story about a family's struggle to let go and move forward and along the way there are lots of laughs and fun that anyone with a family can connect with." - Director, Christy Watkins

"'Tengo famiglia.' If you just said that in English, it would be 'I support a family.' But in Italian, it means more, much more--'I am a man, I am doing well for my woman and children, I have a reason for being alive.'" -- the character of Frank in Over the River and Through the Woods

The cast of Over the River and Through the Woods includes A. D. Players' resident actors Patty Bailey, and Marty Blair and guest actors Marion Arthur Kirby, Marcy Bannor, Ted Doolittle, and Katharine Hatcher.

The production team features scenic and lighting design by Mark A. Lewis, properties design by Trisha Wise, and costume design by Patty Tuel Bailey, and sound design by Hannah Smith. Directed by Christy Watkins.

A. D. Players' Grace Theater is located at 2710 W. Alabama, 77098. Over the River and Through the Woods runs May 28 - June 29, 2014. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. There will be one Saturday matinee on June 21 at 2:30pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.adplayers.org, at A. D. Players' Box Office, 2710 W. Alabama, or by calling 713-526-2721. Ticket prices range from $22-$43 for single tickets. Group, student, and senior discounts are available.

TALKBACKS: Following each Thursday performance, the audience is invited to stay and visit with the cast and creative team about the play.

Founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George, A. D. Players pioneered a unique style of theater committed to producing plays and programs that uphold human value, offer creativity, and promote literacy and education. The company is one of Houston's largest resident theater companies, impacting more than nine million people. Annually, the company produces five Mainstage shows and four Children's Theater performances, fields a National Touring Unit, and maintains a year-round Theater Arts Academy. A. D. Players is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. We share our mission with volunteers, community associates, and those who make our work possible through their support. For additional information, visit www.adplayers.org or call 713-526-2721.