"You look hungry. I'll fix you a sandwich. It's no trouble."

Everyone's either got, knows or wishes for a grandma like this. Grandparents are wonderful; just ask character Caitlain O'Hare in Over the River and Through the Woods, a play that aims for the heartstrings with a story that sees main character Nick Cristano (Chad Russell) seriously considering a move from New Jersey to Seattle - a relocation that baffles and saddens Nick's soon-to-be lonelier grandparents, who he joins for dinner on a weekly basis. Played by Stacia Weber in her first performance at Tacoma Little Theatre, Caitlain makes the astute observation, "You're all so sweet!" This refers to characters Frank Gianelli (Larry Bommarito), Aida Gianelli (Dana Galagan), Nunzio Cristano (Randy Clark) and Emma Cristano (Syrah Beth Puett) - who are all, in fact, lovable characters played by actors who know their way around a stage. Each of these actors breathes realism and humor into the script.

As for Nick? Well, grandparents are also wise. Over the River's Act II has Grandpa Nunzio give a bit of insight into Nick's weekly visits for Sunday dinner.

"You're here like a habit. You're not really here," Grandpa Nunzio says.

Well, Grandpa Nunzio could have also said that about Chad Russell's acting. Mr. Russell is reminiscent of that overly dramatic kid in third grade - who was so obnoxious you just wanted to smack him. There were many moments when it would have seemed more appropriate for the grandparents to buy Nick his plane ticket to Seattle and help him pack just so they could be rid of his melodramatic sighing and forehead wrinkling. Every time he wrung his hands it was a surprise that he didn't rub the skin right off.

Mr. Russell's performance suggest he needs to go back and learn that in a small theatre like TLT an actor does not need to do the large gestures and facial expressions that are required in a much, much larger theatre.

Fortunately for the story and TLT, the other actors were so delightful and charming the audience can simply focus on them instead. While novice Stacia Weber looked more comfortable on stage than did the lead, the actors playing the grandparents stole the show. Whether they are brilliant actors or just have experience being parents or grandparents, they were believable and funny. By the end of the play the audience was rooting for the grandparents and wishing that (even with all his faults) Nick would do the right thing for his grandparents and realize that family can be as valuable a dream as a promotion and a new life on your own.

Over the River and Through the Woods is a humorous and heartwarming story by Joe DiPietro about family, responsibility and the American Dream.

Be sure to catch the play Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 7. A special Actor's Benefit performance is on Feb. 6.

[Tacoma Little Theater, Over the River and Through the Woods, through Feb. 7, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., $16-$24, 210 N. I St., Tacoma, 253-272-2281]