Stissing Mountain Theatre Guild Brings ‘Almost, Maine’ to Life

Pine Plains student actors Dan Leach (left), Thomas Weber, Charlene Murphy, Lee Griffin, Ella Fitzpatrick, and Zayuri DeGabriel Jose get into character for “Almost, Maine,” opening Nov. 14. *Lenora Champagne/The New Pine Plains Herald*

It’s not exactly a romantic comedy, but “Almost, Maine,” the fall play presented by the Stissing Mountain Theatre Guild at Stissing Mountain High School, is “a play about love and connection,” said director Gregory Locker.

Sophomore Zayuri DeGabriel Jose stars in the Stissing Mountain Theatre Guild’s production of John Cariani’s 2004 play “Almost, Maine.” *Lenora Champagne/The New Pine Plains Herald*

The play takes place in a fictional town called Almost, in the northernmost reaches of Maine. Each of the eight vignettes unfolds at 8:50 p.m., just before the Northern Lights appear. “In every scene there is a magical moment where people recognize a connection,” Locker said.

The eight scenes are each about 10 minutes long, framed by a prologue and epilogue that bring the play full circle. With just two or three actors per scene, the structure allows for flexibility in scheduling. “The fall play is challenging because the kids involved are also playing sports,” Locker said. Most of the 11 actors play two roles, with veteran performer Lee Griffin taking on three. Seniors Eliza Baden and Paige Foley also star.

Locker explained that he chose the play, written in 2004 by John Cariani, “for flexibility in casting and to get more kids involved.” After last fall’s production of “Noises Off,” which he called a “Herculean task,” he wanted to “give the set crew a break.” This time, the staging is simpler.

“Everything will be whitewashed, with the cyclorama as a backdrop,” Locker said. Lighting will play a key role, marking scene changes and illuminating the Northern Lights that hover over the story.

Junior Daniel Leach, a cross-country runner, is performing onstage for the first time. “I’m enjoying it a lot,” he said. “It’s not as big a production as the spring show, so I’m not feeling pressured.”

“The kids are working really hard and doing a great job,” Locker said.

Director Andrew Locker said he chose the play for its flexible casting and simple staging, designed to give the set crew a break after last fall’s production of “Noises Off.” *Lenora Champagne/The New Pine Plains Herald*

Does “Almost, Maine” resemble Pine Plains? Locker paused, then smiled, and said, “Everyone knows everyone else. It’s a working-class town. Nearly everyone has been here for generations.” Theatergoers will be able to answer that question for themselves.

“Almost, Maine,” will be performed at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Stissing Mountain High School. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. For more information, visit stissingtheatreguild.org.