Audition information
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OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS
Written by Joe DiPietro, directed by Tony Saxby
Performances 24th - 27th July 2024
Auditions:
Saturday 20th April 10am to 2pm
Monday 22nd April 7.30pm
At the Rehearsal Rooms (details below)
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Nick’s loving grandparents never let him forget where he belongs – in New Jersey in the bosom of his tenacious, tender-hearted, loud, loving and well-fed Italian- American family. But when Nick is offered his dream job on the other side of
America, Frank, Aida, Emma and Nunzio cook up schemes to keep him where he is.
This 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.
Character descriptions
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NICK (Playing Age Mid 20s to early 30s)
Is the son of Frank and Aida’s first born daughter and the last grandson remaining in New York. He visits his grandparents every Sunday. He is an ambitious if not highly strung new yorker who loves his grandparents but as they get older, he feels the weight of responsibility to look after them. Solid and dependable but still single he has a dilemma to overcome.
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FRANK (Playing Age 70s/80s)
A first-generation Italian Immigrant, at the age of 14 arrives in New York sent by his father to make a new life for himself. He carries this history with him. Hard working from the start he meets and Marries Aida and builds the home in which the play is set. FRANK sets the pace of the play, sharp witted and spiky in his outlook. He is stoic but has an underlying soft centre.
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AIDA (Playing Age 70s/80s)
Also, from Italian descent, all Aida wants to do is make sure any visitor is not hungry. Her life has been spent looking after FRANK the love of her life and she dotes on not just him but everyone. Kind and compassionate but equally sharp witted. She is the Mable to Frank’s Mac.
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NUNZIO (Playing Age 70s/80s)
Nick’s Paternal Grandfather, Nunzio carries his own unease, although funny in his work as a double act with Frank. He loves taking photos and capturing memories, but he has to share a health secret which weighs heavy on his mind. Kind and caring and equally passionate about life. Also, from Italian heritage.
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EMMA (Playing Age 70s/80s)
Married to Nunzio. Emma is the quieter of the 4 Grandparents, she also carries Nunzio’s worries. EMMA is sweet and kind and softly spoken. She enjoys her retirement with Nunzio touring the country on buses. Also, with Italian background
EMMA is a regular church goer.
CAITLIN (Playing age mid 20s to early 30s)
A friend of EMMA. Second or third Generation IRISH but accent can be American. CAITLIN is introduced as a potential love interest for NICK. She is an independent strong minded New Yorker, but also kind and warm when meeting the family.
The Rehearsal Rooms in High Wych, CM21 0JJ or What3Words mobile.years.safely (map below):
