Get ready to laugh at Harlequins

SANDUSKY — The Harlequins Sandusky Community Theatre is presenting "Over the River, Through the Woods" with the first show scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Harlequins Coach House Theatre, 414 Wayne St, Sandusky. Other shows take place: • This weekend — 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday • The following week — 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2. The last performance is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. The public can also take part in a champagne reception on Friday night shows. Tickets are available at the door, by phone, 419-504-1528, or online, harlequinstheatre.com, and cost $20 per person. What to expect? Harlequins provided a statement to give attendees a preview of what they'll see on stage: Written by Joe DiPietro and directed by Chris Bilecki, this poignant and funny family will touch your heart and your funny bone. "'Over the River and Through the Woods'" is a heartfelt piece that will resonate with everyone," Bilecki said. "I have had such a great time putting this production together with this amazingly talented cast," Bilecki added. "We can't wait to get it in front of an audience. I promise lots of laughs, maybe even some tears and a newfound appreciation for what family is all about." "Over the River and Through the Woods" features local actors including Gene Cappo and Anthony Robustellini as the grandfathers; Barb Steinmetz and Dawn Hauenstein as the grandmothers; and Billy Smith and Mary Malerich as the young couple. "We are having such fun rehearsing. Sometimes we laugh too much, and there are times we have to choke back the tears," Steinmetz said. "We, as a cast, have become that emotional Italian family portrayed in the play," Steinmetz added. "We hope you join us at the theater as we celebrate the life, laughs and losses of this lovingly intertwined, New Jersey family."