Stuart: Comedy "Over the River and Through the Woods" by Joe DiPietro at A.C.T. Studio Theatre

The song lyrics “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go . . . ” set the stage for Joe DiPietro’s heartwarming comedy about the love of family. “Over the River and Through the Woods,” takes place in Hoboken, NJ, and follows the lives of an Italian-American family whose adult grandson Nick never misses a Sunday dinner. All is fine until Nick announces that he’s been offered his dream job—in Seattle.

The news of Nick’s plans to move to the west coast doesn’t sit very well with either set of grandparents. Thus begins a scheme to keep Nick around. After all, the family mantra "Tengo Famiglia" means more than just its literal translation of "I hold family." The expression as penned by Mr. DiPietro (author of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) is clearly about putting family first--a theme that transcends cultural boundaries.

You’ll enjoy many laughs as the endearing and sometimes frustrating elders display their devotion to the three “F’s” - family, faith and food (lots of food). But, you’ll also find some ‘food’ for thought: a young man’s need for independence and his grandparents’ struggle with letting go. Life’s changes are never easy.

Joe DiPietro’s crowd-pleasing performances will be on stage at A.C.T. Studio Theatre for three weekends: March 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31, April 1 - 2. Show times are Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 3:00 p.m. For tickets and information, please visit actstudiotheatre.com or call (772) 932-8880. Reserved seating is $26. A.C.T. Studio Theatre is located in the Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart.

PHOTO: A.C.T. Studio Theatre presents the heartwarming comedy "Over the River and Through the Woods" by Joe DiPietro March 17 - April 2. Standing L-R: Jessica Lesko, Jonathan Atz, Arlette Eulo; Seated L-R: Lou Larsen, Martha Kelly, Joe Jenecaro. Directed by Heidi Condon. Tickets and info: actstudiotheatre.com; (772) 932-8880. Tickets $26. Photo courtesy of A.C.T. Studio Theatre.