ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Escanaba theatre group Players de Noc is rehearsing for the world premiere of a new show.
October 8 – 11, the Players will present Stag Light at Bay College’s Besse Theater. Created by Ohio playwright Emily Turner, the script was chosen as one of six winners of the 2026 American Association of Community Theatre NewPlayFest national competition.
“In an age where we see so much stuff created through AI, all this other kind of stuff, I think it’s really important and special that we celebrate a brand new, original work by a new playwright,” said cast member Erica Mead. “She’s done a beautiful job of creating this show.”
Stag Light follows a family on a road trip from Maine to Michigan. They plan to spread their late father’s ashes at Stannard Rock Lighthouse, which is located off the coast of Marquette.
“It’s got some local ties, even though Turner is not from Michigan,” Mead said. “I think this story can really resonate with lots of folks. It’s got some very funny, lighthearted moments, but there’s also an undertone of that feeling of what to do when you’re confronted with grief for someone who you may not have had the best relationship with. I think that’s a pretty common feeling that a lot of us have.”
Audiences can catch Stag Light October 8, – 10 at 7:30 p.m. and October 11 at 1:30 p.m. To purchase tickets in advance, visit playersdenoc.org.
