"Over The River and Through The Woods"

Did you know that a cafeteria can make a charming venue for a play?  I found it to be so last Sunday afternoon. :-)

Mini Pinot Grigio!
All for me :-p

The renowned summer theatre Cockpit In Court is hosted by CCBC Essex, and Boyfriend is currently technical director of the cabaret stage (Cockpit also boasts the main stage, and the two stages will hold four shows total, overlapping each other over the summer). Last weekend was the first of two for "Over The River and Through The Woods" written by Joe DiPietro and directed by local Sherionne Brown.  "Over The River" is a well-written and touching story of an Italian young man, Nick, and his relationship with his four grandparents.  Act One keeps the laughs rolling, touching on all sorts of stereotypes about immigrants, Italians, and family dynamics that anyone can relate to.  Act Two slows and sombers slightly, keeping to the charming heart of the story but taking us through Nick's hard decision to start a life of his own.  The actors, all local to Baltimore, did a fantastic job!  I thought they had wonderful chemistry and comedic delivery, and handled the sad moments beautifully.  (Click here for a cute picture of the cast and their names!)

The Cockpit cabaret stage productions are done in the round and held in the cafeteria of the Essex campus of CCBC.   The full rigging system for theatrical lighting and dinner-style seating ensure that viewing the show is an enjoyable experience, complete with light fare of salad, sandwiches, deserts, wine, and soda.  I enjoyed the show immensely, and am looking forward to the second production to be held in this venue,  "The Edge of Darkness".  "Over The River" closes this Sunday afternoon, so you have two chances left to see it!