“Almost, Maine:” Defifinite Success

This semester’s performance arts season got off to a hot start last week with the opening of “Almost, Maine.” Directed by Nick Tiedemann ’25, “Almost, Maine” is a play by John Cariani set in a fictional rural town in Northern Maine. The play contains nine scenes which happen at the same time, with the beginning of each one starting at 8:50 p.m. Throughout any given scene, a couple characters experience love at first sight, heartbreak, and emotions they have never felt before. Then, there is a magical moment, which is lit up by the northern lights, signaling to the audience that every magical moment happens simultaneously.

Although I was involved in the production as an actor, I feel it is important to highlight some scenes that will stick with me for years to come. In “Where it Went,” Marci displays built-up rage while Phil tries to explain how he forgot their anniversary. In “Sad and Glad,” Sandrine manages to fend off a drunkard while trying to get back to her bachelorette party. Finally, in “They Fell,” Chad shockingly expresses his love for his long-time friend Randy. Chad, played by James Walker, brilliantly showed how his feelings for Randy might not be accepted. “Ok, let me theorize real quick” commented Walker. “‘Almost, Maine was good.’” Arts and Entertainment editor Noah Donnellan–Doser said of the show, “James was easily the funniest part of the show. His accent control was top notch. I was very impressed, not only as a friend, but a fan.

I’d also like to highlight some upcoming performances for the remainder of the year. From April 11 through 13, “The Penelopiad” directed by Dr. Angie Sweigart–Gallagher will be showing at the Black Box Theatre. The play is adapted from author Margaret Atwood’s novella of the same name. The story re–interprets the events of Homer’s “The Odyssey” from the perspective of Penelope, wife of Odysseus and cousin of Helen of Troy.