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The cast of "Over the River and Through the Woods" rehearses. Studio Theatre of Bath will stage the show May 15-24. (Courtesy of Studio Theatre of Bath)

The curtain will rise at Studio Theatre of Bath with its first production of 2026, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” May 15-24. A close-knit family, Sunday dinners and grandparents who refuse to let go are at the heart of the play by Joe DiPietro.

Though a veteran to the stage, Bath native Kirstin Hayward is making her directorial debut. She has been performing with the company since 2011 and is currently the board president. She was last seen in 2019’s production of “The Producers” and the cabaret series “Impossible Destinations.” She wanted to do this show because, “It is a ridiculously funny play but also has so much heart. It really showcases what makes intergenerational relationships so special.” It is a story that she believes will “very much resonate with our community.”

Max Middleton (left) and Lydia Picard rehearse as Nick Cristano and Caitlin O’Hare for Studio Theatre of Bath’s production of “Over the River and Through the Woods.” (Courtesy of Studio Theatre of Bath)

“Over the River and Through the Woods” follows Nick Cristano, a 30-something Italian American bachelor from New Jersey who is very close to his four grandparents. When Nick is offered a job in Seattle, his grandparents, Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma, are devastated by the thought of him moving away. In their efforts to keep him close, they come up with one heartfelt (and often hilarious) idea after another, including inviting a charming nurse to dinner in hopes of sparking a romance.

The cast is a who’s who of familiar local performers. Max Middleton plays Nick Cristano. Peter Havas and Shirley Bernier play his maternal grandparents (Frank and Aida Gianelli). Roger Scott Powers and Cathy Matero play his paternal grandparents (Nunzio and Emma Cristano). Lydia Picard rounds out the cast as Caitlin O’Hare.

There are eight performances May 15-24: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Winter Street Center in Bath. Tickets are $20-$25, with discounted prices offered for purchasing online in advance at studiotheatreofbath.com/over-the-river-and-through-the-woods. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of the show. Seating is limited and is first come, first served.

Doors open 30 minutes before each performance begins. Concessions and merchandise will be available for purchase.

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