Theater in the United States is a study in regionalism. Take Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the south, or Neil Simon, the New York Jew. There are many lesser-known scripts, such as How to Talk Minnesotan - The Musical from Plymouth Playhouse outside of Minneapolis and Jeff Daniels's film and play, Escanaba in da Moonlight, Las Meninas, Bed and Sofa, and Fully Committed. This season, they've scheduled Pageant, Lanford Wilson's Burn This, the aforementioned Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and David and Amy Sedaris's The Book of Liz.
The production values of Escanaba in da Moonlight are excellent -- a Cygnet signature. Director Sean Murray's backwoods cabin is authentic in every detail, a true eclectic mishmash of cast-offs. From the pre-show music and sound effects, George Ye's soundtrack is pure perfection incorporating a vast array of woodsy sounds, country fiddle, and so much more. Lighting Designer Eric Lotze was tasked with developing many moods as well as dramatic, startling lighting effects. All work well, with Bonnie Durben's props adding a touch of reality, as do Shulamit Nelson's highly believable costumes.
The production opens on family patriarch Albert Soady, masterfully played by David Gallagher. The Soady men have been deer hunting every season since the 19th century. They drink beer, whiskey, home brew, and eat a heart-attack inducer called Yooper Pasties (recipe upon request). It is all about tradition. Alas, 35-year-old son Ruben (Kenny Taylor) is still buckless, a family disgrace. Younger son Remnar (Manny Fernandes) always gets his buck. Friend Jimmer (J. Michael Ross) enter to explain that his truck has died. Jimmer, who drinks seriously, is delightfully almost impossible to understand. Newly assigned Ranger Tom T. Treadle (David Radford) arrives claiming that he has just seen God. Late in the last act we meet Wolf Moon Dance (Olivia Espinosa), wife of Reuben.
For those into "uncultured humor," this is a wonderful experience. Otherwise, it can be painful. The audience I sat with generally laughed at all the right places. Very few left at intermission. One bit of direction that is disturbing is the almost constant, assaultive yelling between the players. Ultimately, the ** rating for this play is based solely on the quality of the cast, set and sound designs, and occasional humorous lines.
