Escanaba in Da Moonlight
By: Jeff Daniels
Directed by: Beau Dameron
Produced by: Allen Contemporary Theatre
Audience Rating: PG-13 for adult language and crude humor
Run Time: 2 hours, including one 15-minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable
Audio/Visuals to prepare for: Strobe Lights, Gunshots, and Thematic Elements
Reviewed by Troy D. Murray
Allen Contemporary Theatre (ACT) is pulling out all the stops for its cleverly chaotic comedy production of Escanaba in Da Moonlight. Under the astute direction of Beau Dameron, this show fires on all creative cylinders and gives the DFW area keen insight into the mystifying mysteries going on in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Audience members familiar with ACT know that the theatre is imaginative, innovative, and willing to embark on comedic leaps of faith that will leave its patrons in stitches. This outlook is certainly no different with Escanaba in Da Moonlight, as attendees find themselves partaking in the buck hunt of a lifetime at the infamous "Soady Deer Camp."
The production and creative teams of this production command recognition, as their contributions splendidly complement the satire and creative calamity that the show exudes.
Beau Dameron (Director) thrives in his DFW directorial debut, managing to capture both the nonsensical mishaps and more suspenseful moments of the script with meticulousness and incredible purpose. Laura Jennings (Stage Manager) and Lidia Leon (Assistant Stage Manager) prove incredibly vital to keeping the high-energy high jinks under control, as they are constantly seen cleaning up and maintaining the mayhem that unfolds. Together, this trio admirably excels in bringing this farcical masterclass to life every single night.
Creative props are given to the designers of this project as well. Ken Davis (Lighting Design) impressively illuminates the stage with wonderful back lighting and powerful strobing effects. Geoffrey Dail (Sound Design/Operator) mesmerizes audiences with an ensemble arrangement of woodland creatures and ominous echoes throughout that are eerily unsettling to the senses. The comfortable, yet incredibly stylized, wardrobe pieces presented by Heather York (Costume Designer) and Charlotte Dameron (Costume Assistant) further add to this show’s success. Through effective layering and the prioritization of lighter materials, the company is able to be as mobile as they need, while also showcasing that they are in fact hunting in the middle of November.
Thanks to the craftsmanship of Bill Wash (Master Set Builder), Britanya Elios (Props), and Kelly Kreutz Underwood (Set Painter/Set Dresser), the Allen stage is revolutionized into a beautiful lodge space fit for Yosemite National Park. Complete with an assortment of authentic Michigan license plates, cleverly decorated stuffed stags, and even two full-sized wooden bed frames, the space. Underwood deserves special praise, as her attention to detail on the scenic painting, most notably the traditional oak floor finish, is breathtaking to say the very least.
This production shines as brightly as it does thanks to its confident cast of crazy country bumpkins. Through unparalleled commitment and unmatched trust in one another, this troupe of six delivers on every antic and shenanigan presented in a way that can only be described as “methodical madness”.
Lidia Leon (Wolf Moon Dance Soady) marvelously plays double duty as the show’s Assistant Stage Manager and sole female cast member. While her time onstage is limited, Leon’s mystique is certainly felt upon arrival, leaving the audience in awe as she graces the "Soady Deer Camp" with her presence. Tim Demsky (Ranger Tom Traedo) is “God-God” glorious with his depiction. His versatility and character range play extremely well into his role as both officer of the law and conspiracy theorist amongst the lot. Demsky’s exquisite ramblings and sultry song snippets shimmer as brightly as his orange socks do under the pale moonlight.
Blake Rice (Remnar Soady) is as poised as he is brash in his depiction as the youngest member of the Soady’s. B. Rice skillfully holds his own as the camp traditionalist that smirks in the face of adversity. He is charming, assertive, and always “on”, whether the spotlight is on him or not, making him a tremendous asset to this company. Daniel Rice (Jimmer Negamanee) puts on the performance of a lifetime as the wildcard weirdo of the lot. Fearless and unapologetic are two of the many words that can be used to encapsulate D. Rice’s performance, though much more can certainly be said by audiences alike. His devotion to the project is clearly evident, as one might say that he can truly get down and dirty with the best of ‘em.
Jeff York (Albert Soady) is collected and crafty as the narrator and father figure of this tale. York expertly navigates his fourth wall breaks, as he seamlessly provides witty context clues to the audience without ever breaking his stubborn mule demeanor. His ability to generate suspense, coupled with his subtle character mannerisms, allow York to prosper as the super Yooper that he is. Rounding out these wonderful woodsmen is Tyler Baker (Reuben Soady). Baker exudes gutsiness as the show’s leading protagonist. His desperation, expressive facials, and willingness to put himself in some incredibly precarious situations makes him incredibly deserving of the final bow. Theatregoers who have not caught wind of Baker’s talent need to visit ACT to witness it for themselves.
Anyone looking for a supernatural, slap-stick masterpiece of a production needs to buy a one-way trip to Escanaba, Michigan by way of Allen, TX immediately! Allen Contemporary Theatre’s production runs through March 29th, and tickets can be purchased at https://allencontemporarytheatre.net.
Now you know, so go see the show!
Troy
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