Ready for some wintery weather this season, after our record-long summer? Attend the play “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani at Chula Vista’s OnStage Playhouse for a cold night in the middle of winter, with the Northern Lights overhead.
Almost, Maine’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found and confounded. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same.
With nine vignettes, four actors play numerous roles. As one audience member mentioned, it’s mind-boggling to think of the actors switching characters so rapidly and frequently. The cast is definitely up to the task.
Justin Allen Slagle, an award-winning actor and director, has several touching scenes, including an ongoing story in which his character struggles in relating to his girlfriend. Playing a wide-range of personalities, a standout for Courtnee Stagner is her role as a woman desperately seeking the Northern Lights to make a connection with her deceased husband.
Another award winner in the cast is Charley Miller. In one of the most memorable scenes of the show, Miller’s character discusses trying to find love with his best friend, played by fellow actor Slagle. Fatima Pimienta plays another standout character, a young woman unable to recognize love, in the final full vignette of the play.
Director Steve Schmitz’s play is well-paced and transitions smoothly through the various scenes. Schmitz writes that in the play, reality is viewed “… through a very specific and unique lens. A lens of love and magic.”
The set design by Kristen Flores with lighting design by Shawna Cadence becomes another character in the play. The scene made me want to visit Maine’s northern lights. Appreciation also goes to producer Bob Christiansen, costume designer Lisa Burgess and sound designer Steve Murdock.
Performances run through Dec. 20.
Reserve tickets by calling (619) 422-RSVP (7787) or online at www.onstageplayhouse.org. OnStage Playhouse is located on historic Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista, within walking distance of many restaurants for pre- and post-show dining. Parking is available.
