BRIGHTON, MI–“The opening day of deer season is like Christmas…with guns!” Funny lines and puns shine abundantly throughout Jeff Daniels distinctly Michigan Comedy,  Escanaba in da Moonlight, now being presented at A Wilde Theatre here.

Directed by Mike Olsem and brought to life for the “trolls” or fudgesuckers” at A Wilde Theatre in Brighton, MI, the play is a a zany comedy that is an ode to the “Superior State,” the Upper Peninsula (UP) culture with humor and plentiful sap. Running through April 28 and with an opening weekend already a sell-out success, this production promises an evening filled with laughter this side of the bridge.

Set in a quintessential UP deer camp, Al Pelky’s set design is a perfect recreation of a hunter’s dream man cave with rough-cut wooden planks and sets the perfect backdrop for the crazy antics that unfold. Bruce Michel commands the stage as Albert Soady, the patriarch of a lineage of passionate deer hunters. Breaking the fourth wall with ease, Michel invites the audience into the craziest opening night of deer season in the history of the Soady family.

Joined by his sons–Rueben played by Joe Gaskill and Remnar played by Kevin Rogers–Albert sets out on their annual quest for the elusive “big bucks as big as Buicks.” However, Rueben, at 35 years old, has yet to notch a single deer kill. Determined to break the streak, Rueben and his wife, Wolf Moondance (briefly played by Lorelei Fradette), devise new rituals in hopes of finally making his mark in the hunting world.

Enter family friend Jimmer Negamanee from Menominee, portrayed hilariously by Mark Gmazel, whose misadventures and Chevy mishap kick off a series of cursed events that send the hunters reeling. From gibberish-spewing frights to alien abduction humor, and good ole’ fashioned fart jokes, Escanaba in da Moonlight is a riotous blend of UP quirks, hunting lore, euchre, up-north accents, and pasty baked food delights.

Jeff Daniels’ play is a whimsical view to the unique culture of the UP, lovingly poking fun at its stereotypes while celebrating its history and camaraderie. Under Olsem’s direction, the cast delivers energetic performances, drawing the audience into the wild world of the Soady family. Grab your tickets before they disappear faster than a deer in the moonlight!

Get tickets and showtime information at A Wilde Theatre’s website.