Family decision focus of play at Tonahill Theater

AMBER STROMAN aims to give Khristina Hanel grey hair and wrinkles to fit the grandmotherly role of Emma Cristano in the Jasper Community Theater play, Over the River and Through the Woods which opens tomorrow night, Jan. 18.

Nick Cristano faces a dilemma most people in Jasper can identify with: take a dream job far away, or stay at home near beloved (if exasperating) relatives?

The new play opening at Tonahill Theater tomorrow is Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe Pietro, a comedy/drama about a close-knit Italian family.

Jeff Teague plays Nick Cristano, who is more than tempted by a promotion, but he is both reluctant and eager to leave the grasp of his four doting grandparents.

The Gianelli grandparents are played by Jimmy Powers and Geri Brooks, and the Cristanos by Dr. Ron Shamblin and Khristina Hanel.

The four conspire to keep Nick from taking the job by introducing him to the lovely young neighbor, Caitlin O-Hare, played by Alison Teague.

Time and again they cite their motto, "tengo familia;" the translation "to have family" barely scratches the surface of what this phrase means to them. One grand- father explains that tengo familia is wrapped up with all the important F's: faith, family and food.

JEFF TEAGUE, playing grandson Nick, earnestly explains why it would be good for him to move across country. Grandpa Nunzio (Dr. Ron Shamblin) tells him family is more important than promotions and money.

The Jasper Community Theater play is directed by Charles Norwood. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Jan 18- 20, Jan. 25 and Jan. 27; also there will be a matinee Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.

Advance tickets are available at Shy-Bee Electric or The Cottage, or may be purchased at the door before performances. Tonahill Theater is on U. S. Highway 96 South.