There’s a reason that after two decades, Almost, Maine continues to be one of the most produced plays in the country. Playwright John Cariani entices romantics with an unusual exploration of love and relationships, what he calls “mutual awakenings” in the script notes. He continues to make tweaks and updates – some new to this year – so that the core of Almost, Maine stays timely and timeless.
When you hear an audience react audibly to a scene – gasps, laughter, and even a comment under the breath encouraging the characters to make a move – it is clear the actors and dialogue hit their mark. And that’s how it went for the entirety of Next Act Theatre’s production.
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Having cast of four portraying multiple characters in several stories sounds complicated, but they never lose their way. While there are cheesy bits, the interplay of actors, lighting and sound deftly moved the audience through a rollercoaster of relationships, pivotal moments and missed connections. The thread of hope for human connection between the stories, under the ethereal guidance of the northern lights, was engaging from the opening scene to the final minutes.
Director Karen Estrada and Next Act’s cast and crew deliver a worthwhile production, leaving audiences a bit of hope at every turn. While broaching big and little issues of everyday life, each vignette showcases turning points taking place on one night in the fictional town of Almost, Maine. Simple staging, lighting and sound proved a seamless and essential role in each transition.
Wordplay, and some literal takes on those words, allow for a humorous overlay to heavier topics and provide laugh-out-loud surprises. Rudy Galvan (East/Steve/Lendall/Randy/Dave) is particularly adept in these moments, using a physicality that works well without being completely over the top.
Making their Next Act debut are Jake Horstmeier (Pete/Jimmy/Chad/Phil/Man) and Milwaukee native Rachael Zientek (Ginette/Glory/Waitress/Gayle/Hope). Horstmeier’s understated approach imbues a longing to his characters, and he quietly shows us what it means to love. Zientek brings a whirlwind charm, moving from love to loss with perfect timing, sass and subtlety. Bree Beelow (Sandrine/Marvalyn/Marci/Rhonda) brings a vocal awareness to her characters, yet some of the most fun she brings to stage is enhanced by costume designer Amy Horst’s playful approach to winter dressing (and undressing).
Almost, Maine takes audiences to a most remote, magical place with humor and grace, featuring sincere characters who aren’t dumbed down or made into jokes. This show is for the romantic in all of us, and an evening well spent for anyone who craves connections with magical moments.
Almost, Maine runs through Dec. 15 at Next Act Theatre. Get tickets here.
