The Newnan Theatre Company is kicking off its 38th year with a production of John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine.”
The play takes place on a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. But all is not quite right in the frosty cold night.
As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.
“This show is written with such a light and caring soul at the center of the script, it’s impossible to find a way to say anything unkind about it,” said Tony Daniel, the director. “There are great moments of joy, and moments of pure heartbreak, but in every scene, we find something real, something close to all of us.”
The play consists of eight scenes, each a story unto itself. Members of the cast find themselves playing more than one character, a challenge to any actor. But Joel Gould, who plays four different characters in the show, finds the challenge welcome.
“I thought it would be a way to show that the small town we bring to life is like every other small town, where you see the same people every day, and yet, each of those same people is just a bit different,” Gould said.
Joining Gould in the cast are Rick Olsen, Louisa Grant, John Caldwell III, Andi Laaker, Mary Caroline Moore, Megan Upchurch Wiggins, Robbie Kirkland, and Hope Sutton.
“Almost, Maine” opens on Jan. 22 and runs through Feb. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.newnantheatre.org or by calling 770-683-6282.
Show times are 8 p.m for Thursday through Saturday shows, and Sunday shows are at 3 p.m.
Pictured rehearsing are (L to R) John Caldwell III and Andi Laaker.
