A small, remote, unincorporated mill town in northern Maine is the setting for nine short acts that comprise the fall drama production, John Cariani's Amost, Maine. Bitter cold nights, blazing northern lights, brilliant stars, snow and ice create a twilight zone in which couples spontaneously kiss, apologize and kiss again.

 

Occasional references to the town, the mill, or a character from a previous act knit otherwise independent skits together. There's a magical, other-worldly quality to the play; whimsical, dreamy characters argue and fall in love as if tumbling into snowdrifts.



Jack's character wishes on a star; Yasmine's corrects him: it's a planet.....

 

Cariani employs improbable personalities to explore the joys and perils of romance.

 

One Australian critic wrote, "An effervescent yet deeply felt tragicomedy. A romantic comedy with a dash of the absurd." In one skit, tough, beer-swilling outdoorsmen trip into confessing that their friendship is more than friendship.

 

In an act entitled "It Hurts," Richard's character is incapable of experiencing pain, until--of course--that spontaneous kiss.

 

Outer wear off! What comes next?

 

Many years ago, after enjoying a Proctor production in the old theater, I asked a professional actor (who was in attendance) what he thought of it. I expected him to respond with hyperbolic praise. Instead, he said, "I saw a lot of people working really hard." It was a very nice and honest thing to say. The cast and crew of Almost, Maine have been working really hard, and the dividends are obvious. The show plays Friday and Saturday evening at 7:00 PM. Call 603-735-6870 or email alexe@proctornet.com for tickets!