ANN ARBOR, MI–With a title like In Search of the Mothman, who isn’t intrigued? I sat down Friday night at the opening night of the play by Amber Palmer unsure of whether or not I would find him–it’s just like a cryptid to be elusive right at the best moment.

But this story is anything but elusive. Indeed, we found ourselves immediately drawn in, wishing it was a book we had in front of us so we could sneak to the end to make sure everything was okay before reading the journey.

Mothman tells the story of two sisters experiencing loss, love, grief, moving away, and how to navigate each other in their newfound almost-adulthood. They want to find the Mothman–what seems to be a symbol for stability, a good foundation for their lives, and each other.

The story unfolds into a heart-wrenching, gut-punching, nail-biting yarn, with moments where one may want to look away during this poignant, private 90-minute journey that leaves you wanting to hug these sisters.

Olivia Kiefer as Jordan is a treat to watch as she navigates the world of Big Sister-dom and does so seamlessly, taking moments to breathe and live in her character. Carolyn Pierce as Emily traverses scenes with her character’s brilliant teenage countenance like she may have lived there before–and yet every time was refreshing and surprising and she navigated with ease. Pierce and Kiefer bring a great sense of authenticity to Palmer’s words and director Shelby Seeley’s vision.

Paul Taylor’s set design had us studying it from the moment we walked in the theatre, nailing the realism of a twenty-something’s first apartment. This, as simple as it may seem to the untrained eye, is not easy to accomplish. There is another part of the set that acts as a lot of different places, this is classic Theatre Nova–building multi-functional amazing sets–and the artistry on that was great as well. (I specifically like what looks like bird poop on the bridge set). I also really enjoyed the fridge with the magnets and bottle opener. It’s a look into the characters before we meet them.

Jeff Alder’s lighting design transforms the action to different places, using special lighting effects when they fit that are creepy and fun!  Michaella Victoria’s costume design is natural and fit the world of the play, fitting very different sisters so well. Kennikki Jones-Jones sound design is an important part of the play–the actors play instruments onstage that, we are assuming, they don’t play in their real lives–and the sound mixing and design delivered on making it seem authentic. Carla Milarch, TN founder, managed props.

Mothman feels at times like watching a compelling, not trashy, Reality TV show, and leaves you wanting to tune into next week’s episode. Everything, including Mothman himself, feels like I was peeking through the blinds on this very-much-more-than-a-kitchen-sink-dramedy.

Mothman is a fitting and highly recommended theatre outing for Halloween month. It plays through Nov. 10 at Theatre NOVA.