ALMOST MAINE by John Cariani, is CASTLE HILL PLAYERS latest production and is a most delightful mix of nine short tales about love in many forms. Director Meredith Jacobs brings together a talented ensemble of actors who play various characters across different scenes.
On a cold midwinter Friday night, and set against the background of a slightly mysterious aurora borealis, folk in the possibly non-existent town of ALMOST MAINE, come together and fall apart as relationships are formed or renewed or even broken apart.
The six actors, Holky Bramble, Toby Rowe, Jessica Peake, Chris Scarpellino, Kate Grandy and Nick Roberts all show skill and versatility as they portray the joy, hope and heartbreak of love and relationships.
There is a story about a heart broken into many pieces of slate & a repair man who can fix it, a bachelorette party where the waitress finds love, a young man who comes to discover he can conquer hurt and fear and one about a couple who pack their love in bags. Another about a couple and dancing and falling over, an anniversary where a shoe is most important, a girl returning home to give an answer to a marriage proposal, another about a very special painting and a clever play about walking round the world done in three parts.
Sets by Trevor Chaise are simple but very effective as each vignette leads to the next. Lighting design, James Winters, sound design, Paul Sztelma, and costume design Annette Snars help transport us to this far away frozen, somewhat whimsical land, for a warm hearted evening of comedy and romance. Recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ALMOST MAINE is playing at The Pavilion Theatre, Doran Drive, Castle Hill Showground until 15th June 2024.
