The cast of “Escanaba in Da Moonlight” at the Vista Theater in Negaunee is pictured during curtain call. The iconic show will begin the second week of its run at 7 p.m. today. Three more performances will be held: at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets are available at www.vistatheater.org or will be available at the door just prior to the performance. (Photo courtesy of the Vista Theater)

NEGAUNEE — It’s the second week of deer camp at the Vista Theater in Negaunee starting at 7 p.m. today.

Audiences have just four more chances to see the hilarious regional cult classic “Escanaba in Da Moonlight.”

The local story, written by well-known star of stage and screen Jeff Daniels, centers on Rueben Soady, portrayed by Aiden Pietila. Rueben is a middle-aged hunter, ostracized by the men in his family for his annual inability to bag his buck.

Rueben’s desire to get his deer reaches a fever pitch on the eve of hunting season, when he joins his father Albert — played by Tom Pascoe — and his brother Remnar — played by Alex Lehto-Clark — at the family cabin for their yearly ritual of tall tales and one-upmanship.

Hilarity ensues with the appearance of Ranger Tom, played by Cody Niskanen and Jimmer Negamenee played by Ben Bickler as well as a Yooper Goddess played by Lori Kulju.

Director Kim Joki said in a press release the live production injects a different element into the story than the movie version of the tale.

“The biggest difference is you have an interaction between the audience and the actors on stage,” Joki said. “Once one person in the audience starts laughing, others do too and it’s a whole different experience from watching the movie. These actors have worked so hard and brought so much to their roles, I am really proud of what they have accomplished here.”

Vista Theater Advisory Board President Nate Heffron said he is “very excited” about the “enthusiastic” response the show received in its first week.

“What we have learned, the bigger the audience, the more fun this show is,” Heffron said. “And we are so grateful for the community support for this production, it has been incredible.”

He said local sponsors like 1844, First Bank, Flagstar Bank, Fox Negaunee, GEI Consultants, Jackson’s Pit, Mbank, Midtown Bakery and Cafe, Odea, Nordeen, Burink, and Pickens – P.C. Attorneys at Law, Smarty’s Saloon, SuperOne Foods, UPEA Engineers and Architects and the U.P. Insurance Agency, Inc have all made the show possible.

The run of the production also offers theater-goers a chance to win a basket filled over $100 in prizes. A special afterglow party will be offered Saturday where attendees can meet members of the ‘Escanaba in Da Moonlight’ cast, get tours of the set and updated information about theater renovations. Refreshments will be provided, and beer and wine will be available for purchase for that performance only.

Tonight’s show will begin at 7 p.m. There will also be performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. They can be purchased at www.vistatheater.org or at the door.