By Madeleine Powell
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa Drama Department’s production of “Almost, Maine” succeeds in taking a step back from overused cliches about love. Instead, the show revitalizes a tired concept, and is able to captivate audience members as phenomenal acting brings nine tales of love to life.
Written by John Cariani, “Almost, Maine” tells the stories of 20 different characters exploring the ups and downs of love in a town called Almost, Maine. The entirety of the play takes place at 9 p.m. on a cold, clear Friday night.
Photos: Audience members sit on one side of the stage as the set glows in the background.
Developed in 2002, “Almost, Maine” premiered in 2004 in Portland, Maine. In 2010, it became the most-produced high school play in America, and has been produced over 2,500 times.
The play is split into nine vignettes, or short scenes, in order to tell multiple stories, proving unusual but satisfying in its deviation from a typical play with a single plot line. Each vignette tells enough of a story to tie up loose ends, while leaving room for audience members to ponder what will happen to the characters in the future.
Visit the play’s official website for more information on its plot, history, and playwright.
The entire cast’s performances are extremely successful in showing their range. In particular, seniors Daisy Hummer and Claire Layden are able to shift seamlessly from heavier, more emotional moments into light-hearted comedy in their scene, “Her Heart,” which is both impressive and entertaining.
A wide span of topics are addressed throughout each of the nine vignettes, eliminating any possibility for tiring repetition. One vignette tells of the confusion of falling in love with a close friend, while the next shows the hardships and struggles of a relationship without honesty. This stark contrast is engaging and refreshing.
Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting elements of the production is the configuration of the stage, which is surrounded by chairs on three sides, permitting audience members to view it from various angles depending on where they sit. This enhances the experience for audience members, and the difficulty of presenting the play in such a way reveals the capability and flexibility of the cast.
Unique in its design, the set is minimal, and never detracts from the actors’ performances. At various times in the production, three of the walls light up to imitate the Northern Lights, which is aesthetically pleasing. Overall, the allure of the set is in its simplicity, and the absence of flashy elements allows audience members to focus on the play’s messages.
Mature enough for adults to enjoy yet simple enough for younger children to grasp, the production has a wide intended audience. The presence of humor within the play makes sure the plot is never overcome with drama, and was both tasteful and clever in its approach.
Overall, “Almost, Maine” delights audience members with its witty and thought-provoking plot. The decision to allow audience members to view the play from three sides truly showcases the talents of the actors performing, while the set is beautiful in its own right. “Almost, Maine” strays from the formula of a single narrative of love, and that is what ultimately makes it such a great triumph.
Find information on future performances from the drama department here.
“Almost, Maine” is playing on November 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 in the Mira Costa small theater. Ticket prices vary from $5 to $15; more information about ticket sales can be found at miracostadramaboosters.org.
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