Escanaba In Da Moonlight

By Jeff Daniels

Directed by Linda Hammack

Reuben Soady was in danger of becoming the oldest member of his family to have never bagged a buck at deer camp. Evansville Community Theater will proudly present his strangely funny story, “Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” written by Jeff Daniels, for 6 shows in October on the JC McKenna Middle School stage.

Reuben gets help and advice on his quest from his father, Albert, his brother, Remnar (who grew up to be about as much as a man named Remnar can hope to be) and a little help from “The Other Side”. Family friend, Jimmer Negamanee from Menomonee, comes along to add his twisted point of view. You see, The Jimmer has been to outer space and he’s different. Very different.

“Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” is a wild ride through the woods and the traditions of the UP, written by a man who grew up there. The playwright is an award winning actor, writer and musician, perhaps best known for his roles in “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” and “Dumb and Dumber.” Daniels grew up, the son of a lumberyard owner, in Chelsea, Michigan. He has woven his childhood memories into “Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” a funny, fantastical tale of family and friendship with a side order of foolishness for good measure. Daniels also starred in the movie version of his play which was rated PG-13 for its unsophisticated humor.

Anyone who has seen this show knows that it’s not to be missed. Come and laugh along with your neighbors as Reuben and the Soadys deal with aliens, mysteriously sappy whiskey and a Euchre deck that changes its spots.

Produced by Evansville Community Theater in the McKenna Auditorium at JC McKenna Middle School, 307 S 1st St, Evansville

Performances: October 17-25, 2008

Performance Times: October 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 PM with a matinee on Sunday October 19 at 2 PM.

Tickets are $8 if purchased in advance and $10 at the Box Office. Tickets are available at Kopecky’s Piggly Wiggly, The Bank Of Evansville, Union Bank and Trust and at The Evansville Pharmacy. For more ticket information, please contact Melissa Schnepper at 882-4523.