Review: ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT at Penobscot Theatre - Bangor, ME

Deer hunting and theatre don't typically go together. The Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor combined these things in their performances of "Escanaba in da Moonlight." This comedy runs from February 1st - 18th. It brought in a full house at almost every single performance despite the seemingly endless winter weather.

The set was especially helpful in bringing deer hunting to the stage. Designed by Jonathan Spencer, the stage was set with an authentic hunting camp in the middle of a wintry background. As well-decorated as the camp was, the actors truly made it their home away from home. Albert Soady (Craig Bockhorn) humorously recounts the tale of how his son, Reuben (Matthew Madore), finally shot his first buck. Laughter roared throughout the theatre, with even the director finding humor in this tale.

"This play made me giggle," Director Bari Newport said.

Although the play was set in the small town of Escanaba, Michigan, it was a story many Mainers could relate to. Along with hunting deer, the actors have humorous and insightful conversations about faith and their beliefs in extraterrestrials. The play includes a sighting that the hunters believe was either God or an alien life form. Playwright Jeff Daniels drew from stories of possible U.F.O. sightings in his home state of Michigan when writing this play.

Regardless of your beliefs, "Escanaba in da Moonlight" will warm your heart and make you laugh on a cold winter's night. Many Mainers have fond memories of hunting with their families that this play does a good job of evoking. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good laugh. For more information or tickets, you may visit Penobscot Theatre's website at penobscottheatre.org or call them at 207-942-3333.