About Cortland Repertory Theatre
CRT Presents the Regional Premiere of “Almost, Maine”
Cortland Repertory Theatre will present a regional premiere play for the fifth show in their 2007 mainstage season. From August 8 - 18, the new romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” flurries down onto the CRT stage in the Edward Jones Playhouse at the Little York Pavilion. Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson calls the play penned by John Cariani “a perfect ‘date’ play, whether it’s your first date or a 50th anniversary”. Thompson saw the original Off-Broadway production two years ago, and thought it would be a good fit for the CRT stage. “It struck me that the stories told in ‘Almost, Maine’ are such personal, intimate tales that even the small Off-Broadway theatre where I saw it seemed too big. I think our stage is the perfect size for this charming comedy.” Bill Kincaid, who directed “How the Other Half Loves” earlier this summer, returns as director of the show.
“The play is a series of vignettes. When I sent the script to Bill to read, he called me at 1:00 in the morning, after having finished reading just the second story, to tell me he had to direct this play! I’m so glad his schedule allowed him to come back a second time this year.”
The play involves four actors portraying multiple characters, all residents of a very small town in far northern Maine, called Almost. However, the show does not require the “trick” of quick costume changes from one character to another. The stories and characters don’t necessarily overlap, but each story starts at the same time - 9:00 pm on a cold winter Friday. On this night, the aurora borealis flashes brightly overhead, and they spark a magical moment in each story and each character’s life. Playwright Cariani says “The northern lights occur when atoms become ‘excited’. During solar storms, electrons are sent streaming towards earth and when they hit earth’s atmosphere, they strike and excite atoms, ionizing them, causing the lights. This play is about people who are normally very grounded but who have become very excited by love, because something or someone has come barreling towards them, kissed them, and made them very excited”. This was Cariani’s first play to be produced in New York, but he also has a connection with another CRT production; he was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance as Motel the tailor in the most recent Broadway revival of “Fiddler on the Roof” (CRT’s fourth 2007 show).
“ ‘Almost, Maine’ is a unique play, something new and exciting that you’ve never seen before.” Thompson says. “It’s funny, touching, and heartwarming without being overly sentimental. Adding the unpredictable element of magic is something I’ve never seen used in this style. Plus it’s full of complex, ‘real’ characters. I think there’s a little bit of them in each of us. During the play, some hearts are healed, some may be broken, but each story has a wonderful unexpected moment of magic that can catch you by surprise.”
The cast of the show is comprise of four versatile actors, three of which are returning to CRT from past shows. Back for his second show this season is Dustin Charles, who appeared in “How the Other Half Loves” in June, as well as past CRT productions of “Murder on the Nile” and “Bedroom Farce”.
His co-star in “Nile”, Molly Pope, returns for her second summer, as does Dana Bennison who appeared last summer in “It Runs in the Family”. Colin Wasmund is making his CRT debut and come here from his MFA in Acting studies at Western Illinois University. Two other actors, CRT interns Gregory Trimmer and Lindsay Zaroogian play the parts of Dennis and Denise, two silent characters who change the scenery, but also experience the magic of the night and develop an unspoken relationship of their own. Trimmer and Zaroogian also played opposite each other as Motel and Tzietal in CRT’s “Fiddler on the Roof”.
Jim Bumgardner, who directed “Fiddler” handles the scenic design elements for “Almost, Maine”, with help from Assistant Scenic Designer and Technical Director Kevin Rees. Costumes are designed by Jimmy Johnsmeyer, who is in his fourth season at CRT. Tackling the challenges of the Maine night sky and northern lights special effects is Chicago-based lighting designer John Horan. The sound design is by Ithaca College professor Don Tindall and properties are by season designer Buist Bickley. Stage manager is Jenny Casalenuovo who is in her third year at CRT.
“Almost, Maine” will be presented at the Edward Jones Playhouse, CRT’s home in Dwyer Memorial Park from August 8th - 18th. Season Benefactor McNeil and Company is joined for this production by show sponsor Michael May Construction, show partner Albany International and show friend The Cortland Line Company Factory Store. Parking is free, and the theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned. Tickets may be purchased at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland, by calling 800-427-6160 or online at www.cortlandrep.org. For more information about any of CRT’s shows or programming, please visit www.cortlandrep.org.