Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Four fun-loving, beer-guzzling buddies take the stage in the comedic “Deer Camp: The Musical,” opening at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Alpena Civic Theatre. Pictured from left to right are Nick Hartman, Scott Ickes, Matt Southwell and Curt Hampton.

Crack a cold one and head on out to camp tonight for Alpena Civic Theatre’s hilarious “Deer Camp — The Musical,” opening at 7:30 p.m. and running through Sunday, and again next weekend.

The story centers around four buddies who head to camp for their annual hunting trip.

Director Julie Meyer s explains, “This year they come face to face with the fact that they have never shot a deer as their wives issue a brutal ultimatum: Get a deer or your deer camp days are over!”

She said the only problem is, these guys don’t even hunt! They just head out to camp to drink and goof off.

“It sounds simple enough for those of you who hunt, but our buddies don’t know the first thing about bagging a buck,” Meyers continued, adding that they have to figure out some way to bring one home. “Do they buy one? Steal one? Could they possibly try to shoot one? With this crazy group of buddies it seems only the deer are safe.”

This is the first time ACT has done “Deer Camp — The Musical,” and Meyer expects audiences to love it.

“With crazy songs and dance, a bit of luck and some audience participation, their wish is granted just as they run out of beer,” Meyers said. “Get ready to laugh your antlers off!”

“Deer Camp — The Musical” is written by Gene Jurek with music by Doug Spartz. The show is directed by Meyers with assistance from Isaac Ayotte and stage manager Doreen Kriniak. Curt Hampton, Nick Hartman, Scott Ickes and Matt Southwell bring the play to life as Doogski, Digger, Diesel and Moose.

“I knew it would be a fun show, but it’s been a lot more fun than I even thought it would be,” Meyers said. “The four guys that are doing the show are like a dream cast. They have become so tight, and they just click.”

She said even if they miss a line here or there, they keep the comedy going.

“The way they can pick up on each other and ad lib to get them through it is just hilarious,” she said.

Anyone who knows about deer camp knows beers will be drank, cards will be played, and four-letter words will be said, so it’s not for young children, but those junior high and up will enjoy it.

Rounding out the crew are musical director Marty Cantleberry, choreographer Kyla Avery, musician Nick Stone, and Scott Edgar on lights. Nancy Mead is the set designer, and Ron Ross is the assistant set designer.

“The best part of this set is that stone fireplace,” Meyers added of the realistic piece, made of styrofoam. “It looks real. They just did a beautiful job on it.”

“Deer Camp – The Musical”

Now playing at

Alpena Civic Theatre

Today through Sunday and Oct. 24 to 27

Showing at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays

Tickets are now $15 per adult for all shows, and $8 per student.

For tickets, call the box office at 989-354-3624.