Small Town Couples Explore Relationships In Riverside Theatre’s ‘Almost, Maine’

By Linda Gordon Hengerer

Declaring their feelings changes several small-town couples in one night in Riverside Theatre’s Almost, Maine.

This delightful play running through April 12 takes place in a small far Northern Maine town that might/not exist.

Unlike Brigadoon, which only exists for one day every one hundred years, Almost, Maine could be any small town. It’s large enough to contain universal feelings of longing and love, small enough to know (or know of) many residents.

We see how different couples navigate their feelings for each other and by the end of Almost, Maine we’re familiar with the characters by name. When they are referenced in the play, we know how they fit into the fabric of this small town’s life.

Four actors each play multiple characters in various combinations, giving us eight couples sharing long-held, potentially life-changing feelings about each other. Another couple is newly met but we learn what led to their chance meeting.

Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani, is comprised of two acts broken into four vignettes each, with the first vignette taking place during the Prologue, Interlogue, and Epilogue.

The unnamed story of the first couple, played by Matt DeSilva and Rachael Scarr, showcases their potentially romantic relationship as it goes through ups and downs over the course of three scenes bookending the play. Matt and Rachael have us rooting for their love, frustrated at the obstacle, and eager for a resolution.

In “Her Heart” (Scene 1, Act 1), Derek Emerson Powell and Lauren Weinberg play strangers who meet when a woman travels far North to see the Northern Lights. By the end of the scene, we know why she came to Maine, and how serendipity guided her path. Derek and Lauren are in turn awkward, unsettled, and at ease.

Over the course of seven more stories, we see the range of relationships from start to finish. You’ll startle as one cliché comes to life and laugh as you get the joke.

In a small town, there’s no avoiding the person you’ve shared intimate feelings with if they don’t feel the same way. Is it awkward running into a past love when they’re in the middle of celebrating a new love? Yes. Is it better to clear the air than let hurt feelings fester? Also yes.

Taking a chance and telling someone how you feel about them doesn’t guarantee they’ll reciprocate those feelings. Haven’t we all been in a situation that could be awkward or uncomfortable when we don’t feel the same way as someone else?

All four actors are excellent at differentiating the character they were playing, by action, facial expression, and voice. We feel each character’s emotions and ride the rollercoaster of ups and downs with them. Love isn’t a straightforward path, and the road to love can be a bumpy one.

Kudos go to Riverside Theatre’s staff for their work: Artistic Director Allen D. Cornell (Director), Props Supervisor Emily Luongo (Set Designer), Costume Shop manager Anna Hillbery (Costume Design), and Wig Supervisor Aleigha Cheng (Wig Designer).

Returning to Riverside Theatre are Genny Wynn (Lighting Designer), Craig Beyrooti (Sound Designer), Scott Wojcik (Casting), Audrey M. Brown (Stage Manager), and Sarah Nicholson (Assistant Stage Manager).

The lighting put us in Maine on a clear, crisp night. The actor’s voices were clear and reached the last row of seats. The spare stage uses several props for different locations: outdoors; inside the back room of a bar; and no props at all for a front yard in two vignettes.

A recurring bit between scenes were two stagehands, dressed for winter in snowsuits, who placed the props before each vignette. They were playing to the crowd and each other by the end of the play.

Venue doors open one hour before showtime, and theatre seating opens 30 minutes before showtime. A full bar and indoor seating are available for early arrivals and during intermission. The new Executive Chef has updated the Grill menu with small bites and skewers. Lunch is available on Saturdays with a scheduled matinee performance.

Riverside Theatre’s last production this season is the musical 9 to 5 (April 16-May 10).

Year-round offerings on Friday and Saturday nights include The Comedy Zone (on the Waxlax Stage), Live in the Loop (free outdoor concerts), and the Grill and Bar.

Backstage tours, Behind the Scenes classes, and dance classes for adults are available. Youth classes include theater, dance, and music appreciation. An acclaimed children’s theatre has moved from their cramped former quarters onto the Main Stage.

Almost, Maine runs through April 12 at Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach in Riverside Park. Matinees are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2 pm; Evening performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays 7:30 or 8:00 pm. Running time is approximately 120 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets for Waxlax Stage shows are all General Admission. Prices range from $37.50 (Student Age 17 or younger), weekday matinee) to $75 (Adult, Saturday night). Call the theatre box office at 772-231-6990 or visit riversidetheatre.com for more information or to purchase tickets.