Nick, a young man living in New York, is torn: Since his parents moved to Florida, he is the only remaining relative of his maternal and paternal grandparents. Every week they all get together for a big Sunday Italian dinner ... but this particular Sunday, Nick has an announcement. Nick makes such heavy weather of his big announcement, you think he's about to come out of the closet. Nope - he's been offered a promotion and has to move to Seattle.

After the ensuing emotional drama dies down, the grandparents figure that if they can fix up the single Nick with a girlfriend, he might stay.

And oh, the merry mix-ups that ensue.

Refreshingly, the expected romantic complications do not ensue, as a contrivance-laden first act gives way to a quieter and character-driven second. Also, there's something in DiPietro's writing which always manages to pull it back from the edge. He makes some interesting points about family and generational attitudes in America. And for a play with no villain, he keeps the dramatic ball rolling.

The Tacoma Little Theatre opens this big-hearted show Friday for a three-week run. - Michael Swan

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