Actor Jeff Daniels’ wacky comedy hit, “Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” features hunting, guns, beer and rites of manhood.
“Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” which was written by Daniels, portrays a 35 year old’s struggle with his manhood. As a member of the Soady Family deer camp, Reuben is approaching the awkward stage of being the oldest Soady never to “bag a buck.” As father Albert Soady and brother Remnar realize Reuben’s plight, the quest to help him becomes very real.
With crazy supernatural occurrences around the camp, coupled with beer-gulping comedy, Reuben’s Native American wife gives him the secret to killing his first buck.
“Escanaba in da Moonlight” first premiered in Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre in his native state of Michigan. Touring from the theater Daniels founded, the comedic antics of his play traveled to Detroit, where it ended up breaking records as the city’s longest-running show.
Each year, the Contemporary American Theatre Company selects seven plays to perform. Jon Putnam, a resident actor in Columbus, remembered seeing “Escanaba in Da Moonlight” performed while attending Ohio State. After seeing the play, he said he knew it would be a success.
“It’s really fun. It’s a physical show with a lot of gross humor, but it’s fun to work on,” Putnam said.
Putnam, who plays the role of Remar, said he believes the show is something any audience member can enjoy.
“This is targeted to people that don’t go to the theater due to the talky aspect. It’s heavy on action and humor. There’s a lot to look at,” Putnam said.
While co-stars Michael Allen (Reuben) and John Fields (Father Soady) agree the roles have been fun, both actors are impressed with their co-stars.
“It’s a really fun cast. Everyone gets along really fine. It’s a good company and the audience seems to appreciate it so far,” Fields said.
Fields, originally from Newark, Ohio, saw the script and ventured out of retirement to appear in the play. Acting before friends and family, was an opportunity Fields didn’t want to miss, he said.
“I’ve been semi-retired until I got this script; it’s a bit of a return to acting for me,” Fields said. “I’m originally from Newark. I have lots of friends and family here. It was a good opportunity to show them what I used to do.”
Allen, a Shakespearean actor in New York, was attracted to the play because of the broad appeal it would have.
“This is the first time doing a play I know my dad will like,” Allen said. “If you come see the play and don’t laugh, then something’s dead inside of you.”
While the energy and cooperation have helped pull all the technical aspects together, everyone is having fun in the process. Allen said the primary intent is to amuse the audience, although the play does have issues men and women can relate to. The design team for CATCO is predominately female — they laugh during each preview, Allen said.
Whether an avid theater fan, or la Comedy Central buff, each actor at CATCO assures the audience will have a good time.
“People should come because it’s uproariously funny,” Allen said. “You’ll leave with a smile on your face, I guarantee it.”
