Lights...curtain...get ready to laugh! What’s better than a family on a hunting trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? The Soady family on a hunting trip in Northern Michigan...well maybe not better, but definitely funnier. In Theatre on the Hill’s latest production “Escanaba In Da Moonlight”, directed by Craig J. Engel, the Soady family, dad Albert and sons Rueben and Remnar are brilliantly brought to life as they find themselves on their annual hunting trip while together bunking in a cabin much with a sorority house feel. Apparently, superstition and rituals are the name of the game when it comes to landing a respectable buck, which Albert Soady (played by Thom Sudol) repeatedly explains to the audience. But it may take more than sacred habits for Rueben (Patrick Green) to chalk up his first buck. Reuben, at 35 years of age, is challenged with the fact that he may become the oldest Soady to never bag a buck, which would be quite shameful in his family’s eyes – perhaps cursed. But one ridiculous ritual is broken after another and Rueben’s chances are seemingly diminished as the story goes on, although he confesses that obviously hunting superstitions have never helped him before. Ken Schaefer is fantastically funny as younger brother Remnar who tries to buck up (no pun intended) Reuben while at the same time freaking out about things that have gone awry like the time 2’s and 3’s were found in the Euker deck – a taboo occurrence in hunting camp! Of course it doesn’t help matters any when Reuben takes it upon himself, at his wife Wolf Moon Dance’s advice (played by the beautiful Lorrisa Julianus), to substitute the staple hunting dish of delicious meat pasties with a liquid concoction that includes crushed flies and sliced earthworms. Oh, and let’s not forget the side of porcupine piss!
As the story progresses it only gets weirder and weirder when excitable hunting buddy, Da Jimmer (Jack Dudek) joins the party after his Chevy Impala “Shurst into shames”, translated in English as “Burst into Flames”. If that doesn’t make for an even funnier group, it really gets crazy when the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) drops by in the form of quirky Ranger Tom (Kevin Fenner) only to make a chaotic environment...well, more chaotic. Without giving too much away I’ll just say God, aliens, Bear-woks, bad gas, cheap beer and sappy whiskey...
The cast had terrific chemistry and every member was cleverly funny in their own right. Sudol, Green and Schaefer really nailed their character’s accents (much like we heard in Fargo) and really showed a comfort zone with each other, making the play an absolute joy to watch. Kudos to director Craig J. Engel for choosing to go forward on the “Escanaba” script and for the tremendous job he did with the actors and the arrangement of the set. And, just to get the (standing room only) audience more in touch with the story, complimentary cans of beer were handed out so everyone would be able to drink with the Soady’s. “Escanaba” was the perfect way to spend a Saturday night.
On a side note, Theatre on the Hill (TOTH) will be auditioning for cast members April 19th and 20th for their next production “We Will Rock You”, a musical set to the music of Queen that will begin in July. Unlike “Escanaba In Da Moonlight” that was held in TOTH’s inside theatre, “We Will Rock You” will be performed outdoors on their giant stage facing a hill. Last year TOTH found great success with their outdoor theatre with their post-apocalyptic production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Actors, be sure to audition in what will be the outdoor event of the year and, theatre lovers, get your blankets ready!
