Theatre 308 students will be bringing stories of love, friendship and connection to the stage with John Cariani’s Almost, Maine from Thursday to Saturday, Nov. 13 to 15, at 7 p.m.
— an announcement from Darien Public Schools
Similar to The Dining Room (performed by Theatre 308 in the fall of 2023), the two-act play is composed of nine distinct vignettes. Set in the fictional town of “Almost” in northern Maine, the scenes offer a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of ordinary people whose extraordinary stories unfold beneath the glow of the northern lights.
Almost, Maine depicts love, heartbreak, sadness and hope. The production has unique costumes, props, and lighting. Following two months in rehearsal, the student designers, crew and actors have brought their extraordinary vision to life.
Under Nick Kuell’s direction, Theatre 308 students give the audience an intimate look into the lives of people figuring out love, sharing in the raw emotions of each character.
“This show not only highlights our huge talent pool, but it also gives students valuable acting experience that will help them thrive as performers beyond DHS,” Kuell said.
“There’s beauty in a show that reminds us to find magic in the mundane. Almost, Maine reminds us that exceptional things happen every day. That simple message is the difference between just getting through the day and really living it, and I hope audiences feel that same affirmation and optimism.”
Synopsis
“Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist.
“One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend — almost — in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. (from Dramatist Play Service)
‘Almost, Maine is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. A beautifully structured play, with nifty surprise endings (most but not all of them happy).’ —The New York Times”
If You’re Going …
Almost, Maine will run on Thursday Nov. 13, and the next two nights at 7 p.m. in the DHS Auditorium, 80 High School Lane. Tickets are $10 for students/seniors and $20 for adults and are now on sale at Theatre308.org.