Main Street Productions’ latest offering is Almost, Maine, by John Cariani from 2004, which happens to be one of my favorite shows I ever directed. When I first read it in 2011, I found it to be so charming a collection of stories, I knew I had to put it on stage.
Whereas I used six actors and actresses to people the nine vignettes in the play, MSP director Kathy Watson has endeavored to spread the parts out, using 17 performers. It works just fine that way, maybe better, and certainly puts the ‘community’ in community theatre.
Almost, Maine is a play about love – all shapes and strengths. Along the way, it shows us love that is sweet, or complicated, or star-crossed, or taboo, or dismaying – with characters from all over the map of humankind. It is sometimes humorous and sometimes touching, and in a very clever way, playwright Cariani holds a mirror for us to see our own traits about loving. Each of Cariani’s nine creations could stand alone, but the combination of the parts makes for a memorable evening of laughs and sighs.
MSP’s edition of the show is brilliantly done. Well staged, well cast, well directed and performed. I enjoyed every vignette with wonderful memories and new appreciations. Director Watson has found the essence in every piece and has formed the action to reveal the many wonders that are written into the script.
While I truly enjoyed all the vignettes, I had my favorites. In “Sad and Glad,” Aaron Beal and Piper Williams (as Jimmy and Sandrine) show us the dynamic of someone who is left behind in a relationship and someone who has moved on successfully. Comic, yet poignant – the ex-couple is a good example of what many of us have gone through and the actors hit all the right levels here.
“This Hurts” is a clever portrayal of someone who cannot feel pain (Steve played by Austin Uebelhor) and someone who hasn’t yet realized her pain (Marvalyn played by Hannah Partridge). There is a lot going on in this piece; again, the comedy/poignancy mix is conveyed just right.
Probably the most surprising and unusual vignette is “They Fell,” where Randy (Aaron Beal) and Chad (Quinn Simonson) are two good buddies who find out the depth and importance of their friendship. Cariani is at his best here, using symbolism as truth, and the two actors make it look like nothing so much as a common happening. You’ll have to see it!
Set and Light Design, both done by Bill Miller and Kristina Lawyer, work perfectly for the varied scenes. Really, all the efforts were so good in this show – the cast, director, and everyone who helped put it together should be very proud of what they have wrought.
Bottom line: This is one of those shows that I can’t say enough good things about. I love the script, and always have high hopes every time I see a production of it. Ms. Watson and her cast and crew have knocked this one out of the park. Plus – it’s PERFECT for the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend. Go see it!
Almost, Maine continues at Basile Westfield Playhouse through Feb. 15. Information about the schedule and reservations can be found at BasileWestfieldPlayhouse.org.
Finally, I must note a significant change that has occurred at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. It really is a beautiful theatre – comfortable, with a large stage and modern lighting and sound equipment – but it has always had one flaw. It was difficult to hear the actors at all times. I would mention this problem in many reviews I wrote for the place.
That flawed condition is no more, so far as I can tell. By hanging four well-placed curtain baffles on light bars in the auditorium ceiling, the MSP crew headed by Bill Miller has flipped the switch on the problem. I could easily hear every word from every player on stage, which is as it should be.
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