From left -- Jack Read as Jimmy, Julie Janson as the waitress and Elizabeth Floyd as Sandrine in the Providence Players production of the comedy “Almost, Maine.” Photo by Chip Gertzog/Courtesy of Providence Players
Where and When
Providence Players present “Almost, Maine” at James Lee Community Center Theater, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church.
Performances April 1 to April 16. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday Matinees on April 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.
Tickets $17-$20. Call 703-425-6782 or visit http://www.providen…">www.providenceplaye….
Love can be so utterly complex, yet so invigorating as the unexpected comes into view. But then what? The Providence Players will help answer what next in its production of the clever whimsy of “Almost, Maine.” The play is about the appeal of the love with all of its unconventional aspects by the usually grounded citizens of a small town not on any real map in northern Maine. And with surprises.
Written by award winning actor John Cariani, “Almost, Maine” is more than just a sly tale of what happens on a cold moonless night for the inhabitants of rural “Almost, Maine.” The plays provides charm and a chewiness as the characters share their prickly personalities, awkward moments, complicated relationships and search for that special someone to share life with.
Veteran Providence Players director Chip Gertzog called the play “delightful, full of romance, mystery and plenty of humor. It is like little one-acts connected together in absurdly unexpected ways as it examines love from many angles.”
Gertzog said that “Almost, Maine” is a contemporary look about people who fall in love and work to remain in love; even with the inevitable bumps along the way. He promised a “delightful, crowd pleasing evening” for patrons.
In a sit-down interview with a number of the 14 member cast including, Amanda Ranowsky, Bob Thompson, Susan Kaplan, Jack Read, Elizabeth Floyd, Julie Janson and Allison Turkel, all were in unison that “Almost, Maine” will resonate with audiences. Their characters will seem honest people just trying to make their way in their convoluted world.
For Ranowsky her character Ginette is “a sensitive, trusting soul who can be so awkward and quiet.” Thompson described his character East as “just a regular guy, set in his ways, yet finding himself fixing someone’s broken heart.” Kaplan’s Glory is a “nervous person in need of mending her heart.” Janson described her character Rhonda as “that person we all know, acting all cool on the outside, to cover her inner fears.”
Inviting audiences to the production, Floyd said it “will resonate with everyone, they will know these people as real people,” while Turkel noted that the play depicts “many trajectories of emotion as the characters begin to expose their inner feelings.”
“This is not a goofy play, but one where humor is heartfelt and real.” said Reed. “Almost, Maine,” a romantic-comedy aimed directly at the heart.