By Deanna Walz
Escanaba in da Moonlight, The Lofte Community Theatre, Friday September 6, 2024
Having spent a good six years myself “up nort’ der” in North Dakota, this reviewer found so much of Escanaba in da Moonlight utterly charming, donchaknow. The obsession with taking down the big buck, the religious adherence to tradition and the rousing game of Euchre gone awry (there’s no twos and threes in euchre!!!!) were all pitch-perfect nods to the deer hunting culture of the northern states. This charming production nails every nuance of that culture with endearing performances and broad humor.
The camaraderie of the cast was felt by the entire audience, and it was easy to believe that these rascals were kin. Director Kevin Colbert, who also played the patriarch Albert, did a wonderful job inviting the audience along on the ride. His sage father set the stakes for the weekend with the challenge to bag a buck equating to manhood.
Jamion Biesterfield as Remnar and Doug Rothgeb as Reuben were very believable as brothers, taking pages out of Bob and Doug Mackenzie’s playbook. Affable doofuses in flannel who drink beer and dream about glory and ten-point bucks.
I really loved the way Jim Knierim threw himself into the character of Jimmer. His physicality blew me away (especially in the second act) and it was a complete joy to watch him tell entire stories with his body. Scott Pope’s zoned-out Ranger Tom was also a hoot.
The set was absolutely gorgeous and well designed. The lighting design was an important part of the production, and it felt professional and very well done. All-in-all this was a wonderful looking production in addition to being a story well told.
This show knew its audience. With the right amount of sophomoric humor and male bonding moments, this show will hit home with a lot of folks who aren’t regular theater goers. Bring your Uncle Joe and Grandpa Ole. They’ll love Escanaba in da Moonlight, you betcha.
If you go: Escanaba in da Moonlight runs at the Lofte Community Theatre in Manley, September 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Tickets may be purchased at Lofte.org. $24.
Deanna Walz is the Director of Development for the Madonna Foundation. She is currently on the board of the Lincoln Community Playhouse and is an actor, director and writer who loves live performances.
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