Pacific Theatre Presents John Cariani's ALMOST MAINE Next Month

What can happen when we open our hearts? Beneath the cold December sky, something strange is happening in the town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights appear, a little magic illustrates how far away - and how close - we can be to one another. John Cariani's cozy anthology follows the residents of the fictional town of Almost as they grapple with the ins and outs of love in all its stages, from infatuation to heartbreak.

Five actors portray nineteen characters, spread out in pairs from the town's local bar (The Moose Paddy, of course) to the quiet edge of a frozen pond. Director Kaitlin Williams is excited to tackle the play, one of the most frequently produced theatre pieces in North America. "Almost, Maine is a charming, winsome and challenging examination of the magic world of love and romantic relationships. In this life there is not much riskier than giving your heart to another human. Each scene examines this risk as the characters fumble to connect and love each other well. Their stories are achingly familiar, hilarious and sweet. I'm inspired and delighted by the cast and design team we've assembled and I'm eager to play with all of them." Williams, a Pacific Theatre stalwart as an actress and designer, is stepping into the director's chair for the first time.

After a blackly comic guest production of The Lonesome West, the Pacific Theatre stage is ready to transition to a lighter, gentler humour. "I love the light-heartedness of this one," says Artistic Director Ron Reed. "The quirky world it creates - it's almost magic realism? - is so right for stories about falling in love." The crisp energy is reflected throughout the design, built to mirror the snowy expanse of a New England winter. Pops of colour reflect the dance of the aurora, as well as the twists and turns of romance, and the show will be scored with live music by Jalen Saip.

Says Williams, "We've got some magic up our sleeves for this one. I hope the audience is surprised, I hope they laugh and I hope we crack their hearts."

ARTISTIC TEAM

Directed by Kaitlin Williams. Featuring Peter Carlone, Kim Larson, Giovanni Mocibob, Baraka Rahmani, and Jalen Saip. Set and Lighting Design by Lauchlin Johnston. Costume Design by Amy McDougall. Sound Design by Jay Clift. Stage Management by Maria Zarrillo.

Details: ALMOST, MAINE by John Cariani When: Nov 24 - Dec 16, Wed-Sat at 8pm with 2pm matinees Saturdays. Pay-what-you-can preview Nov 23. Where: Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave (at Hemlock), Vancouver, BC Tickets: $20-36.50 (not incl. HST). To book visit pacifictheatre.org or call 604.731.5518.