U.P Humor Takes the Stage in Bloomfield Hills

Theresa and I were able to attend the opening performance of “Escanaba in Love,” by Jeff Daniels, performed at the St. Dunstan’s Theater in Bloomfield Hills on March 16th. The setting is a convincing Michigan U.P. fishing/hunting cabin, and the characters, well portrayed by the cast of five, were both hilarious and touching. The story gradually unfolds, with a few twists & turns, and much laughter. There is some adult subject matter, so not ideal for younger children. If you can arrive a bit early, take a bit of time enjoying the lovely grounds surrounding the theater that recall Merry Old England. We would recommend the play, the theater and the setting. You can get to Old England and make a funny detour to the U.P., all without the drive over the Mackinaw Bridge. St. Dunstan’s, Jeff Daniels, the U.P.,and Cranbrook are all Michigan treasures not to be missed.  – Richard Dalton

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The play takes place during World War II where we are introduced to an 18 year old Albert Soady, Jr. played by Ryan Dawley (Royal Oak).   The role of “Salty” Jim Negamanee is played by Thom Griffin (Ferndale), who is the same actor who played Jimmer Nagamanee in Escanaba in Da Moonlight – so that makes him his own Grandfather!  Also joining the cast is Al Rosie (Birmingham) as Alphonse Soady and John Tonkovich (Canton) as Albert Soady, Sr.

Director Mark Walters (Birmingham) is thrilled to be at the helm of another Jeff Daniels play at St. Dunstan’s.  He also directed last season’s production ofTropical Pickle and 2010’s Escanaba in Da Moonlight.

Escanaba in Love was written by Jeff Daniels and premiered at The Purple Rose Theatre in 2006, in Chelsea, Michigan.  Daniels calls Escanaba in Love a “backwoods Romeo and Juliet,” because what’s being hunted in this prequel is not a buck, however, but a girl.

St. Dunstan’s will present Escanaba in Love on March 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30, and 31.  All performances are at 8:00 p.m. except for March 25, which is at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are general admission and cost $20 each for adults and $18 each for students and seniors. Group rates are also available.  To reserve tickets call 1-888-71-TICKETS or visit www.StDunstansTheatre.com.

St. Dunstan’s is located at 400 Lone Pine Road between Lahser and Cranbrook roads. Parking is available in front of the theatre or across the street at Christ Church Cranbrook.

St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild of Cranbrook is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to the ideal of excellence in local theatre, and offers theatrical productions open to the public between October and June each year.

Originally uploaded by FatherDalton.