Review: UCF's ALMOST, MAINE is Whimsical Rom-Com Filled with Kooky Characters

Almost, Maine, the unincorporated village in the rural wilderness in New England's northernmost state, is a cute, quant town filled with residents that have each gone a teensy bit stir-crazy after years of snowed-in winters spent staring out at miles and miles of shimmering snow and sparkling stars. The result is a delightfully whimsical comedy by John Cariani, running through June 11th at TheatreUCF. Consisting of nine, metaphor-laden vignettes, we meet the eclectic, silly, neurotic, and adorable citizens of Almost, on their paths to finding, accepting, and letting go of love.

The charmingly goofy ALMOST, MAINE features seven talented student-actors, each inhabiting multiple characters (in every sense of the word) residing in this blue-collar outpost. Directed by Mark Brotherton, the show's comic pacing is brisk, and nearly every joke lands. However, in almost every instance, you are left wanting each actor to lean further into the kookiness of their character. While the performances, individual and collective, are entertaining and occasionally moving, the show's inherent comedic potential never feels fully realized, because in nearly every scene, there is a palpable hesitation to cross the line from peculiar realism to authentic absurdism.

While that commitment to identifiable characters is admirable in actors, especially those still studying their craft, as Cariani's script progresses he provides more and more opportunities for the actors to play, and it becomes increasingly obvious that Almost exists on a slightly more eccentric and magical plane than our own.

A Tony-nominated actor himself, Cariani has peopled his fictional town with large, broad, and interesting, yet relatable and sympathetic, characters that seem ripe for out-of-the-box interpretations. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen often enough in Theatre UCF's production.

That being typed, every one of the actors delivers either ample laughs or emotion. Some of the highlights include Kaley Pharr (Glory) setting up camp in Logan Ayala (East)'s front yard and the metaphysical implications that unfold.

Ayala (Randy) and Austin Davis (Chad) are funny and tender as best friends who can't seem to stay on their feet. Pharr (Marci) and Josh Whedon (Phil) are heartbreaking as a married couple, drifting apart, hoping that a night of ice-skating can bring them back together.

And, Alexandra Pica's performance is especially poignant as the appropriately named Hope, who returns to Almost after years away in order to finally answer a long-lingering question.

The rest of the ensemble cast includes Stephanie Cabrera who shines as a tomboy who can't see what's right in front of her face, Elisabeth Christie as a passionate woman who is tired of waiting, and Aaron Glogowski as her patient boyfriend.

Vandy Wood's cold, cosmic lighting design greatly enhances the feeling of Maine's vast expanses, but her oddly confining set design of constricting circles seems to be working against that very concept.

While most of this summer's big screen releases involve feuding superheroes or invading aliens, Theatre UCF has provided an appealing, light-hearted romantic comedy that should leave every audience member with a smile on his or her face.

To purchase tickets to ALMOST, MAINE, visit Theatre UCF's website, or call 407-823-1500.

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Did you fall in love on your trip to Almost, Maine? Let me know in the comments below, or by "Liking" and following BWW Orlando on Facebook and Twitter by using the buttons below. You can also chat with me about the show on Twitter @BWWMatt.

Banner Image: Logan Ayala and Austin Davis. Photo Credit: Tony Firriolo | Theatre UCF

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