GREENE – The Nowaks of South Division Street in Buffalo are no different than any other family; mother Clara is a little overbearing but well-intentioned, Beverly is a bit of a firecracker but just looking for love, Jimmy is a down-to-earth garbageman, and Ruth has a passion for the theater. One thing tying this family together is a statue erected by Clara’s father many years ago of the blessed mother Mary – built after she appeared to him in his barber shop. Clara believes it is their family duty to keep the message of the statue alive. It seems Ruth may have different plans, and decides to hold a family meeting. Hilarity ensues.

The Chenango River Theatre opened its 2013 season last week with Tom Dudzick’s “Miracle on South Division Street,” and it will run through June 16. The production was directed by Drew Kahl and co-produced by NBT Bank and The Daniels Family.

The cast of four is spot-on and from the beginning the chemistry between the actors is undeniable. It is as if they are a real family, and the audience is just hanging out in their kitchen watching the antics.

Laurel Casillo does a fabulous job as Ruth. Casillo is an Equity Membership Candidate for the Actors’ Equity Association. She has been in many productions and has a BA in Theatre Performance from Marymount Manhattan College.