By  Josh McFadden | [email protected]

If close family members got a job offer in a far-away city, would you try to prevent them from moving?

Sugar Factory Playhouse tackles the situation in its production of “Over the River and Through the Woods,” which will run for eight nights beginning April 4. The show will be held at West Jordan’s Pioneer Hall, 1137 West 7800 South.

Written by Joe DiPietro and directed by Kate Rufener, “Over the River” follows the story of Nick Cristano, a content single man living in New Jersey. Though Nick’s parents are no longer in the Garden State, both sets of his grandparents are close by—maybe too close for Nick’s comfort. Unlike his retired parents, who relocated to sunny Florida, the grandparents stayed put in Jersey and see Nick regularly.

As in every week.

Each Sunday, Nick visits his grandparents, enjoying talks and meals. The ethnic Italians have strong family bonds and traditions, which complicate things when Nick announces big news.

Against the regular routine, Nick stops by during the week for a surprise visit. He informs his grandparents that he intends to accept a promotion as a marketing executive with his company and move to the other side of the country in Seattle, Washington. 

The grandparents don’t react with support or enthusiasm. 

Stunned, they oppose the idea and hatch schemes to make Nick stay in New Jersey where he can continue his weekly get-togethers. They’ll have no part of this betrayal, so they enlist the help of an attractive young woman named Caitlin. Grandma and Grandpa hope the two will fall in love, causing Nick to reject the job offer and stay home. 

The plan doesn’t go well and only leads to more problems for the family.

So, how do things turn out for Nick, Caitlin and the grandparents? You’ll have to see for yourself. The play runs every evening from April 4 through April 12, except Sunday, April 7. The doors will open at 7 p.m., 30 minutes before the show begins. Be aware that seating is first-come, first-served.

To secure your tickets, you can click on the Buy Tickets link on the Sugar Factory Playhouse website, sugarfactoryplayhouse.com. Children 12 and under, seniors 60 and over, and students with an ID can get in for $8. General admission tickets for other patrons are $12 each. 

The talented cast comprises Michael Dodge as Nick; Merrill Dodge as Frank Gianelli; Linda Garay as Aida Gianelli; Gary Pimentel as Nunzio Cristiano; Kaye Woodworth as Emma Cristano; and Liza Tomkinson as Caitlin O’Hare.