Hays is outstanding as Duane, and Bruce Bennett plays his gullible and awestruck brother, Duwell, to the hilt. Mark Boyd is Sandy the reporter sent to cover this angel-shooting story for his tabloid newspaper. He's believably cynical, yet endearing, as he tells his story to The Voice (Gary Mitchell... sounds like God? You decide...)
Sidney Sauseda is Sandy's amiable African American sidekick on the venture into the angelic swamp and sets up some pithy commentary on North/South and racial stereotypes. Martin Underhill is a hoot as the ethics-less, cigar-chomping Tabloid Boss, and Kellie Stonebrook is expressive in her silent role as the Gator Creature -- the puppeteer/mime expertise works well.
Newcomer Breckan Erdman was a fresh and charming kid-clerk at the eat-here-and-get-gas place. Rachelle Garyet was haunting as the "remembrance of woman past" - a lost character, that The Voice coaxes Sandy into remembering.
The set fully utilizes the Ledges' wide stage featuring a central swamp, with a "New York Tabloid Office" on one side, and "Food and Gas" mini-mart on the other, enabling scenes to flow with no delays. The sound (Rick Dethlefsen) and lighting (Joe Dickson) were excellent and integral to the mood and the action... and there was just the right amount of swamp haze. LeAnn Dethlefsen's costumes helped "illustrate" the characters. Director Rick Dethlefsen can be proud of them all.
We were out of town last weekend, so this review is late -- but Duck Hunter Shoots Angel continues through this wonderfully temperate weekend offering no concerns about the non-air-conditioned Ledges Playhouse in beautiful Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. 8pm Friday and Saturday and 2pm Sunday. Reserved seats $10/$8/$6 - at www.overtheledge.org.