'Over the River and Through the Woods' opens Friday

SOAP LAKE — Audience members are practically guaranteed a comical evening as the Masquers Theater debuts its first production of the season on Friday, Joe DiPietro's version of "Over the River and Through the Woods."

"It is just full of laughter," said director Robert Barker.

This is Barker's first time directing a play after having begun acting at Masquers four years ago.

The cast approached him about doing the play and after reading the script over the first time, Barker found it to be hilariously entertaining and agreed to direct it.

The play focuses around an Italian by the name of Nick, played by Eric Van Woert, who comes every Sunday to have dinner and visit with his grandparents.

Love, family relationships and the woes of life are all expressed through the family's love and obsession with food.

There is something from each character the audience will be able to relate to their own life, Barker said.

Barker describes his cast as experienced actors, some of whom have previously directed, who are all good friends outside of their relationships on stage.

"They're a family," Barker said.

Having acted under some of the cast members he now directs, Barker considers the upcoming play to be his own representation of what he has learned from them through the years.

"This is for them, this is my representation of what they've taught me," he said.

The six-member cast has been practicing since December and includes Eric Van Woert (Nick), Bob Jasman (Frank), Barbara Sloan (Aida), Randy Brooks (Nunzio), Cheri Barbre (Emma), and Stephanie Moore (Caitlin).

Opening night is Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. with performances following each night again at 8 p.m. on Feb. 25, March 3-4, 10-11, 17 -18 with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. on March 12 and 19. All tickets are $10. Call 246-2611 to make reservations.