The Maine event
‘Almost, Maine’ hits the stage at Lincoln City’s Theatre West
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
It’s an irresistible tale about love in all its many forms. Love, with no pretense of perfection, packaged in a classic and simple assemblage of stories.
Theatre West’s edgy new show, “Almost Maine,” explores all of life’s essential emotions in nine short vignettes. Eleven actors portray 19 characters with humor and a wry perspective on the human experience. A charming and romantic collection of stories, “Almost Maine” is playwright John Cariani’s ode to humanity. This refreshing and highly theatrical exploration of love in its many stages will leave you thinking about love in a fresh, new way.
The play marks the Theatre West debut for director Amanda Megyesi-McCabe.
“I had ‘Almost Maine’ in mind for the Theatre West stage once I learned of the style of shows their audiences enjoy,” she said. “It is a reliable show with a twist because it approaches love from different perspectives and phases. I think there is something for everyone in the stories of ‘Almost Maine.’”
“Each person is connected to each other in the show,” she added, “whether they are friends, couples or coworkers, but we watch interactions between two characters in each of the nine stories.”
Playwright Cariani’s storyline is playful and packed with surreal experiences that occur on one deeply cold and magical midwinter night. The citizens of Almost, Maine, experience the life-altering power of the human heart — propelled by the mystical energy of the aurora borealis. Relationships end, begin or change beyond recognition as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers. The characters are humorous, plain-spoken, thoughtful, and sincere in this series of loosely connected tales with a compelling couple at its center.
The stories of these 19 characters happen at the same time on a cold, clear Friday night between 8:50 and 9:02 pm. With the northern lights powering the sky, something mystical begins to happen in that 12-minute timeframe.
And everything is real, except for the moment when it isn’t.
This is part of the plot’s charm and a joyous experience of discovery and entertainment. But be prepared, as this narrative has the ability to grab and connect audiences with the actors as they express a universal language of love.
“The opening weekend was fun,” Theatre West publicist Sandy Gruber said, “with lively audiences that were truly engaged with the show.”
The 11 actors are a blend of seasoned veterans and one newcomer to the stage. Most of the actors portray multiple characters, which requires diversity in presence and delivery. Featuring Ren Jacob and Robin Kirsch, this ensemble cast includes Dave Jones, Bonnie Ross, Christina Contreras, Sean Tonner, Hazel Fiedler, Gavin Suckow, Julie Fiedler, Bryan Kirsch, and Alice Luchau.
“I went into the auditions expecting to cast four to eight people,” Megyesi-McCave said, “but the turnout was so great that I chose 11 actors for the 19 roles. I feel lucky that so many people wanted to be in it.”
There are two actors in each of the nine vignettes which last about 10 minutes. Megyesi-McCave said each character has had different life experiences with different emotions and different phases of love. It empowers a wide range of acting chops.
“Audiences will definitely find something they can relate to; however, there is a twist,” she said.
Along with the ensemble cast is a backstage crew of volunteers. Bonnie Ross designed the costumes, Bryan Kirsch did the set construction, and Catherine Dunn and Kate Daschel are the volunteer coordinators. Matt McCave, Megyesi-McCave’s husband, serves as assistant director and operates the lights and sound.
The set design is simple, allowing the actors to be the real focus. It is the style of a black box, with simple technical features that create transitions between each vignette. This staging allows the audience and actors to be intimately close, creating a powerful theatrical experience.
Megyesi-McCave said the show is pertinent to many people in different phases of life.
“It is relevant to people on a more personal scale rather than what is happening in the country or the world,” she said. “Our personal lives continue on despite the current world climate.”
“Almost Maine” will be performed at 7:30 pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Nov. 19, at 3536 SE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. There is also a 2 pm matinée show on Sunday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and $15 for children under 13. For more information or ticket purchase, call 541-994-5663 or go to www.theatrewest.com.