“Almost, Maine” : Tales of Love & Loss in the Frozen North

The Stories

Almost, Maine ,written by John Cariani, tells a series of vignettes about the citizens of the 'town' of Almost in Northern Maine. Focusing on various characters (lovers, beer buddies, fellow workers, and friends) the play tells various tales of love, loss, and variations thereof in a two-hour performance.

The Production

The Gillespy Theatre in Daytona's News-Journal Center is known for its fine performances (notably last year's performance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) and Almost, Maine is no exception. The stage decorated to look like fallen snow, the effects of falling snow backstage, the heavy winter garb, and the occasional “Northern Lights” projection created a excellent atmosphere and solidly placed the performance in the frozen North of Maine.

The direction was also done quite well. Even from an awkward seat in the upper middle-right of the theatre, all of the sights and sounds were as clear as a bell. An interesting aspect was the use of projected 'scene-cards' above the stage, creating the segues from one scene to another. And like the rest of the script, these titles were deftly written.

The Script

One of the most notable and enjoyable aspects of the play were the characters. Each was flawed and quirky (even a little bit strange) enough in their own way to feel like individuals, yet without feeling beyond someone you might meet crossing the street some day. The two typical beer-buddies swapping sad stories, the not-so-star-crossed lovers wondering what happened, and those wondering where they're going yet. Most people have experience at least one or more of these situations on our lifetimes, and that makes the play and the players that much more accessible. But while the performances are all splendidly convincing and engaging, the actors & their characters do not convey the true appeal of this play. That lies with the tone and feel.

Almost, Maine is written with a sort of abstract analysis of the less finite elements of life, specifically love and loss. For example, a couple literally “falls” for one another on-stage, while another couple gives their love back to one another in physical bags. The silliness of this literal representation and the seriousness of the performers are what made these moments hilarious, and oh-so well-timed with the twists and turns.

The Performances

Another key aspect of any play is the performances, and Almost, Maine's ensemble is no exception. While several actors end up playing multiple parts, they each manage to present another aspect of the characters to shake away any confusion. And while the play is primarily a comedy, the solid, serious performances from the entire cast are what makes the few sullen, sad moments, as well as accentuating the comedic ones. Simply put, the emotional performances are all stellar. Carl Derks, playing the suave mill-worker as well as the nerve-dead Jimmy, and Etta June DeLanoy as the excitable Glory and the retentive Marci are specific highlights, showing brilliant memorization of their lines as well as perfect emotional timing, presentation, and projection.

The Overall

Almost, Maine is a superbly-written collection of vignettes that explore in absurdist detail the many, many ways to approach (and drift from) love in a small almost-town. The performances were all spot-on, with well-crafted characters that feel real without feeling boring. The production and staging were both exemplary, creating a perfectly-accessible theatre experience, as well as throwing a few new elements in. Though the star of the play is easily the message it leaves us with, and that is the many faces of love. While it can scar us, leave us cold and vulnerable, it can also be just around the corner, waiting to bring us to our knees or repair our broken hearts. It is harsh, but it is also beautiful and, like most other mortal ideas, infinitely entertaining.