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It's certainly appropriate. After more than 12 years in Central Falls, R.I., the Mill River Players will open their new theater this week on Route 114 (Hope Street) in Bristol, R.I., with a musical entitled "Are We There Yet?"

We hope they are. Quite a move from Central Falls to Bristol.

Marci Petitbon says she and her husband/co-owner Chuck are "up to their earlobes in construction and painting" to get their new theater - the Harborside Playhouse - open tonight for the first of what they hope will be many years of shows in a brand new venue.

The likable Petitbons opened Mill River Theater at the restaurant Fire Station No. 6 in the fall of 1995. Their very first show was the musical "The Fantasticks." They closed their long run there this July with the drama "I Am Not My Breast."

"We're leaving Central Falls because the building is under contract to be sold," said Marcia Petitbon. "In Bristol, we will be opening with the musical comedy about the typical American family called, 'Are We There Yet?' which is sort of appropriate for where we are right now." The Petitbons will be leasing their new space, which has about 100 seats. This is a big jump for them, as the Fire Station could only seat about 30 to 35. Harborside Playhouse will have a proscenium stage, being finished off as you read this. And there is one more great bonus.

"There are NO poles," laughed Petitbon. "In Central Falls, we had one pole right smack in the middle of the stage. We were constantly getting ideas of how to move it, but structurally, it was not possible. In a casual conversation with our real estate broker, I told him if he could find us a place with no poles that would be a blessing. Two days later, he took Chuck and I to see a place in Bristol, now to be our new home."

The couple will have to drive from their home in Lincoln, R.I., but they say the longer trip will be worth it for many reasons.

"I'm sure the move will be for the better of the theater. Being near the harbor is just beautiful," added Petitbon. "We will have a larger stage, so this will make it possible for bigger productions. But first, we need to let the actors and actresses in the area know we're here and this theater is open for everyone to join. Mill River Players always welcomes new talent, and, hopefully, the talent in Bristol and the surrounding areas will be pleased to be part of Mill River Players."

They will continue to produce and direct seven to eight shows a season, but will also open their space to other community functions and shows such as recitals, choral performances, concerts and other plays. Their own shows will be on Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Looking back, Marcia Petitbon fondly recalled the moments she was grateful to have experienced in Central Falls with so many actors in dozens of shows.

"I guess the best show, for me, as a comedy would be 'Nunsense' and 'Nuncrackers.' I went to Catholic grammar school so I could relate to everything going on on stage," she said. "As a drama, no question, 'Tuesdays With Morrie' was by far the best."

And with every fond memory was a fonder thank you.

"Certainly, I would like to thank all the folks that came to Central Falls and supported Mill River Theater, our guests, as well as our actors," said Petitbon. "Hopefully, they'll come along for the journey to Bristol. It's really not that far away!"

Mill River Players is presenting "Are We There Yet?" tonight through Sept. 14 at the Harborside Playhouse, 850 Hope St., Bristol, R.I. For reservations call 401-724-5658. For tickets and more information, contact webmaster@millriverplayers.org.