REVIEW: Jeff Daniels' 'Escanaba in da Moonlight' Comes Home to the Purple Rose

Escanaba in da Moonlight, written by Hollywood actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, first premiered at The Purple Rose Theatre in 1995. After 16 years, the comedy is back, re-envisioned for a whole new generation of fans.

Escanaba is a hilariously twisted comedy about five Yoopers — residents of Michigan's Upper Peninsula — and their escapades at a ramshackle deer camp on the eve of the opening of the 1989 hunting season.

The story follows the trials of Reuben Soady, the only member of his family to never bag a buck despite countless attempts. However, this season, Reuben is determined to shake his bad luck and the title of the "Buckless Yooper."

From dining on pasties (pastries filled with beef and rutabaga) to the Yooper dialect, Daniels' script does a great job capturing the essence of the Upper Peninsula. Even the dialogue feels natural and authentic, never forced. Some of the jokes are funnier if you've experienced the Upper Peninsula first hand, but it is definately not necessary.

Jim Porterfield as Albert Soady and Wayne David Parker as Jimmer Negamanee, who are both reprising their roles from 1995, are outstanding.  Porterfield, while keeping the show grounded, still gets many laughs as the gruff "fudge-sucking troll"-hating family patriarch.

Parker is defiantly the show's standout performer. Every moment he is onstage he is a dynamic ball of energy. To get out all of his lines at the rapid speed and unique pattern of delivery is a true feat of talent. Michael Brian Ogden and Matthew David as brothers Reuben and Remnar Soady, respectively, have great chemistry together onstage. David plays up the masculine qualities of his character and is a nice contrast to Ogden's eccentricity.

The technical aspects of the show worked together in perfect harmony as well to give a great look and feel to the show. Dennis G. Crawley's set and Danna Segrest's properties design gave the Soady hunting cabin a realistic feel. There was so much to see and every inch of space was used to create different playing areas for the actors. The moon and stars painted on the cyc (fabric backdrop) helped set the mood for the woods setting.

Dana White's lighting set the mood well for the inside of the cabin and Quintessa Gallinat's sound design was nothing short of amazing. From subtle alien sounds to a full on set shaking deer herd, Gallinat chose every effect perfectly.

Escanaba in da Moonlight plays at the Purple Rose Theatre through Dec. 17. For ticket information contact the box office at 734-433-7673 or visit www.purplerosetheatre.org to order tickets online.