NILES — The stereotypical thought, when looking at a theater audience, is the men probably were dragged there by their wives.

Trumbull New Theatre’s latest offering is a musical comedy for those stereotypical guys.

In “Deer Camp,” written by Gene Jurek and Doug Spartz, the songs have simple melodies,comparable to the ones sung in a beer hall or the novelty tunes that used to be played on the radio by Dr. Demento. It’s not Sondheim.

The characters are equally familiar types and the comedic subject matter is well-trod. It’s not Shakespeare. It’s not even Simon. It’s maybe Sandler.

If Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White and Bill Engvall made a feature film together after their Blue Collar Comedy tours, it’s easy to imagine it looking a lot like “Deer Camp.”

That makes it a comedy that should have some appeal to folks who don’t consider themselves theatergoers.

Directed by Terri Gilbert with James Penn as assistant director, “Deer Camp” is often funny, even if one doesn’t need a rifle scope to see many — but not all — of the punchlines coming far in advance. The actors occasionally break the fourth wall and talk directly to the audience, which makes no sense but also adds some laughs.

The songs are pleasant and definitely don’t require Pavarotti-quality voices to pull off. The cast generally is best on the group numbers, delivering some nice harmonies, although some songs, particularly “Male Dancers,” give each performer an opportunity to camp it up and have fun with the characters. The five-piece band, led by music director Michelle Jones, that was unseen behind the set provided solid accompaniment throughout the opening night performance.

“Deer Camp” takes place in a remote hunting cabin where four friends gather every year to drink beer, crack jokes about one another, drink more beer, eat bad food, drink still more beer and make the bodily noises that come with lots of beer and bad food.

Hunting doesn’t make the priority list. Not only have they never bagged a buck, they’ve never fired a shot, unless you count Moose accidentally shooting the truck while loading their gear. But this time, they have an ultimatum from wives of the three married hunters — bring home a deer up or say goodbye to these annual trips.

That ultimatum adds some urgency to the story, but not much. Killing a deer still is less important than finding something to eat or debating which woman they’d like to be stranded at the cabin with during a snowstorm (one of the play’s best bits).

The second act definitely was stronger than the first on opening night. A lot of that is the show itself. The four songs in the second half are better than anything in the first. However, it took the actors a while to find the comedic rhythm of the script, most noticeably on the set up for the song “What a Mess,” which was … messy.

Ron Wolford, John Brien, Jerome Teasley and Jim Desharnais find their stride before intermission. They play well off one another and make for a strong ensemble. Wolford is best at delivering the script’s one-liners, and Teasley is endearing as the dimmest bulb in the bunch.

The set by Gilbert, Tom Hitmar and Brett Bunker creates a rustic cabin feel, and the scenic design includes several nice touches from Katherine Huff. There’s also a special effect needed for the second act that is executed well by Hitmar and Bob Stahl.

No one will mistake “Deer Camp” for high art, but it’s goofy and fun and, if nothing else, will make viewers thirsty for a cold brew. And with a brisk running time of just under two hours, including intermission, there’s plenty of time for a nightcap after the show.

If you go …

WHAT: The musical comedy “Deer Camp”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through May 17

WHERE: Trumbull New Theatre, 5883 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for students and are available online at. trumbullnewtheatre.tix.com and by calling the TNT box office between 6 and 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at 330-652-1103.