The hilarious prequel to the legendary Escanaba in da Moonlight is set in the Soady deer camp during World War II and outfitted with a whole new cast of wacky Yoopers. Eighteen-year-old Albert Soady, Jr. is celebrating his final hunting season before he becomes a sharpshooter for the U.S. Army when he falls head-over-heels for the legendary Big Betty Balou - the woman destined to become Reuben and Remnar's mother. The question is, does she have what it takes to become part of Escanaba's "royal" family?

"Writing the prequel was like putting on a pair of your old, favorite shoes," says playwright, Jeff Daniels. "I never intended to write a companion piece to Escanaba In Da Moonlight. For years, I wasn't interested. Never even thought about it. Once I started writing it, though, it was just a matter of going back into that world, hearing their voices ... The thing is, with the Soadys, I never wanted to leave."

Escanaba in Love was underwritten by Chelsea Rhone LLC, the Leslie and Richard Helppie Family Charitable Foundation, THE MOSAIC FOUNDATION (of Rita & Peter Heydon), ADR North America, and Dow Automotive.

Directed by Guy Sanville

Featuring:
Jake Christensen
Paul Hopper
Wayne David Parker
Charlyn Swarthout
Will David Young

Stage Manager: Katie M. Doral
Set Designer: Daniel C. Walker
Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
Costume Designer: Ivan Ingermann
Lighting Designer: Reid G. Johnson
Sound Designer: Quintessa Gallinat

Critic's Quotes

Three of four stars

"Guy Sanville directs a top-notch cast."

Martin F. Kohn
Detroit Free Press

New Jeff Daniels play notable for excellent performances and the script's warmth

"…I must confess that I worried 'Love' would be a strictly 'for guys, about guys' play; yet this warm comedy in a cold setting completely won me over."

Jenn McKee
The Ann Arbor News

"Daniels brings back much of what made “Moonlight” appealing, but his growth as a playwright is also evident.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Yup, it’s anudder hit for da Purple Rose"

Donald V. Calamia
Between The Lines

"Bless you, Jeff Daniels, for taking us back to the Soady deer camp… Director Guy Sanville’s pacing is tick-tock perfect, and there are standout performances in all directions."

Terry Pow
Jackson Citizen-Patriot