On a cold, clear winter’s night in the fictional town of Almost, Maine, the Northern Lights hover above couples falling in and out of love in quirky and unexpected ways. The Mississippi University for Women Department of Theatre will explore them all in its presentation of “Almost, Maine” Oct. 27-29 at 7:30 p.m. in Cromwell Theatre on campus.
Alternately moving, funny and charmingly sweet-natured, the romantic comedy looks in on a town where knees are bruised, hearts are broken and love is lost, found and confounded in scenes that introduce the audience to a variety of characters and situations.
Director Lee Crouse said, “In the script, playwright John Cariani quotes F. Scott Fitzgerald, ‘ … the sentimental person thinks things will last — the romantic person has a desperate confidence that they won’t.’ Cariani then writes, ‘Almost, Maine is for romantics — not sentimentalists’.”
The cast includes O’Shia Cobb, Louis Codling, Allison C. Jones, Abigail McCreary, Enya McDonald, London Roberts, Ryan Savage, Jason Schrock, Alysann Simpson, Courtney Thompson, Ashley Vinson, Elizabeth Wiggins, Robert Williams II, Rachel Willis and Graham Young.
Allison C. Jones of Columbus portrays “Marci” in a scene called “Where it Went.” Marci’s husband’s workload has been overwhelming lately, and on a much-needed night out under the stars, she draws his attention to many things he’s missed.
“I like that I’m doing one of the more serious scenes. … I feel very connected to this show,” said Jones who, as a senior Theatre major, is acting in one of the last few productions she’ll be part of at The W. She is also costume designer for the production, which adds to its significance in her final year.
Because of its numerous scenes and different characters, “Almost, Maine” offers roles for many newer students who have joined the department, Jones said.
The production team includes Theatre faculty members David Carter, scenic and lighting designer and producer; Peppy Biddy, production consultant; and Dustin Gibson, assistant technical director and sound designer.
In addition, Kevin Barkman is stage manager; Ashley Vinson is assistant stage manager and properties mistress. Dooey Nabors is light console operator, and Holly Cochran is sound console operator.
“This play will appeal to every age,” Jones said. “Every scene has to do with love in a different form; some of them are endearing, funny and some are a little sad. It’s really a well-rounded show.”
How to go
Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performance will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. The show will run 1 hour 40 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission.
Cromwell Theatre is located at the corner of 10th Street and Sixth Avenue South.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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