The heartfelt comedy, Over The River & Through The Woods, opens on Thursday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Circle Theatre, inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

Making her first local directorial debut since retiring from her longtime tenure as Associate Director of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in July 2015, Penelope Notter’s interpretation of Over The River & Through The Woods will prove that family always comes first.

Lynne Brown-Tepper, Managing Director, Circle Theatre, said, “we are thrilled to finally have Penny back at Circle Theatre. Although Penny’s Grand Rapids directorial debut was at Circle, it has been a challenge getting her back due to her intensive schedule at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre as Associate Director. Additionally, Penny is not only a talented director but is also a talented actress. Audience members may remember Penny from her 2007 Grand Award Winning performance as Mama Wheelis in Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s got The Will."

Love of family is the mantra that runs throughout this endearingly warm-hearted comedy by Joe DiPietro. The audience is taken to grandparent's house in Hoboken, New Jersey. At the heart of the plot is a tight-knit Italian-American family.

Cast members include: Ben Avery (Nick), Mary Close (Emma), Tony Peraino (Nunzio), Lindsay Tallian (Caitlin), G.M. Bud Thompson (Frank) and Stacey Wykoski (Aida).

Circle Theatre audience members can enjoy Michigan craft beer, wine, or soda during Lobby Bar night on August 12, beginning 30 minutes before the performance. Over The River & Through The Woods is presented in part by Amore' Trattoria Italiana, provider of the Italian dinner on stage each night and treats for audience members on select performance nights. The Production Sponsor is Steelcase.

Over The River & Through The Woods shows will run August 11,12 & 13, 17-20, 24-27 at 7:30 p.m. and August 21 at 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circle’s website www.circletheatre.org

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