ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT Continues At The Sauk

Jeff Daniel's hilarious comedy ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT continues performances this weekend at The Sauk, Hillsdale County's community theatre.

When the Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family's Upper Peninsula camp, thirty-five-year-old Reuben Soady brings with him the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of the Soadys never to bag a buck. In a hunting story to beat all hunting stories, "Escanaba in Da Moonlight" spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Reuben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book.

The cast is led by four actors making their Sauk debuts. Timothy Brayman, of Tecumseh, plays family patriarch Albert Soady. Brayman is a regular onstage at Encore Music Theatre and the Croswell Opera House most recently appeared in productions of "Camelot" and "9 to 5." Nathan Drumhiller, of Parma, plays "Buckless Yooper" Reuben while Nathan Johnson, of Jackson, plays his brother Remnar. Drumhiller hasn't been on stage since high school. Johnson most recently performed in the Center Stage Jackson productions of "My Fair Lady" and "Fiddler on the Roof." The final newcomer to The Sauk stage is Hillsdale resident Matt Sauer in the role of Ranger Tom T. Treado. Sauer is a recent Hillsdale College graduate who performed in seven college productions including "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "Dancing at Lughnasa." The production also includes Sauk veterans Mike Sutton (of Hillsdale) as Jimmer and Tracy McCullough (of Homer) as Wolf Moon Dance. Sutton has appeared on stages throughout the area for over 20 years. McCullough most recently appeared in the 2017 production of "Sauk Shorts."

The production will be directed by Trinity Bird, who most recently appeared on the Sauk stage as Clarence in "It's A Wonderful Life." The design team includes Bruce Crews (set), Bird (costumes), Kristin Hood (lighting), MJ Dulmage (sound) and Travis Blatchley (props). Allison Cleveland is stage manager.

Performances of "Escanaba in Da Moonlight" are February 15-17 at 8 p.m. and February 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students and $8 for children (12 and under). The February 15 performance is $5 senior night. This production is recommended for mature audiences due to language. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100.

This production is sponsored by the Hillsdale County Board of Realtors. The 2018 Sauk season is sponsored by Expressions Photography & Design. The Sauk receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment of the Arts and their program, Art Works.