Press Release

Escanaba in da Moonlight

Date:September 28, 2010

COLDWATER, MI— Just in time for hunting season Tibbits opens its 2010-11 Entertainment Series with Jeff Daniels Yooper deer camp comedy “Escanaba in da Moonlight.”

 “Escanaba in da Moonlight” tells the story of the Soady clan who reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family's Upper Peninsula camp. Reuben Soady, 35-years-old, brings with him the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of the clan 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.

Tibbits Artistic Director Charles Burr said “Escanaba in da Moonlight” is the most requested play for Tibbits professional summer theatre to produce. This play is PG-13 with some language and situations.

 “I have a great cast of funny people. Always a good start,” Burr said. “As rehearsals commence, we will be pulling out the Yooper accents, creating some Sweet Sap whiskey and figuring out how to eat moose testicles after being doused in porcupine piss. Really.”

The professional cast includes three past Tibbits summer theatre alumni from previous productions: Alan Elliott performed in Tibbits’ production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,”  Hilary Anthony who was in “Desperate Hours” and Dennis McKeen of “Room Service” fame. The rest of the cast includes: John Payonk, Ian Russell and Ben Lee Jackson.

The Ann Arbor News called the play a Super Yooper comedy while the Detroit News said “Daniels breaks new theatrical ground.”

 “Author and actor Jeff Daniels has written almost a dozen plays for his Purple Rose Theatre. This one is certainly the most produced of the bunch and with good reason. It is a very funny show,” Burr said. “I love directing farce and comedy and our string of high energy productions such as Room Service, Run For Your Wife and Leading Ladies have proven to be audience favorites.” 

Another Daniels’ play, “Super Sucker” was awarded Best Comedy at the 2001 U.S. Comedy Film Festival in Aspen, CO. He has also recorded three CDs and performed in many films including: Terms of Endearment, Purple Rose of Cairo, Dumb and Dumber, Pleasantville, and Gods and Generals.

Performances are set for 2pm and 8pm on Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 and 8pm on Sat., Oct. 16. Tickets for the performances are priced at $26 for adults, $24 for members and $15 for students. They are available at www.Tibbits.org, or by calling or visiting the administrative offices from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday at 93 W. Chicago St., Coldwater.

Tibbits Opera House offers an intimate historic setting, handicap accessibility, and hearing assistance devices. The theatre is located at 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater, MI. Call 517-278-6029 or visit www.Tibbits.org.