Stage II Presents Almost, Maine

Jenna Worrell and Caitlin Romich in scene four of the production. Photo Credit / Madison Petro Jenna Worrell and Caitlin Romich in scene four of the production. Photo Credit / Madison Petro
Jenna Worrell and Caitlin Romich in scene four of the production. Photo Credit / Madison Petro
Jenna Worrell and Caitlin Romich in scene four of the production.
Photo Credit / Madison Petro

By Madison Petro
Staff Writer

Stage II’s production of the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” left audiences in awe during its run at ESU Nov. 19 through Nov. 22.

“Two words: shattered expectations. I didn’t expect as much. This was the second play I was at, so it was totally different than I thought it would be,” says Seth Fornwalt, senior.

“I thought it was really cute that everyone was intermingled and that each scene connected with the others,” says Kate Pedbereznak, sophomore.

But, the audience noticed more than just the overall production value. They noted that details like acting and use of the space were just as important.

“The acting was amazing. It was nice seeing our peers in such a different way, on stage doing what they love,” says Nicolette Peters, sophomore.

Peters came to the show with junior Tiffany Salmons, carrying moivational signs for their Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority sister Caitlin Romich, who acted in the production.

Peters and Salmons said they planned to hold up the signs, but decided against it because the space was a lot smaller than they expected.

“I wish they had more space so they can use more props,” Fornwalt says of the production’s location in the black box theater.

“I liked that it was smaller. It felt more personal,” says Salmons.

“I liked the creative use of the stage, like one of the actors being on the ledge,” says Pedbereznak.

Even though the audience held differing views about the location, that was not the greatest concern for John Lauri, junior and one of five directors for “Almost, Maine.”

“I think the director’s job is to make the audience feel something. As long as I can portray the comedic and tender moments, I have succeeded as a director,” say Lauri.

It seems the directors accomplished this because, according to Salmons, she teared up during some of the scenes.

But, the production was not all about feeling sad. “Almost, Maine” is a romantic comedy, so naturally there was a focus on the comedy aspect, as well.

“I find the blend of drama and comedy and, as a funny guy, I like to squeeze out the comedic moments more,” says Lauri of his directing techniques.

The comedic moments were squeezed out not just in Lauri’s scenes, but in all the scenes.

From the amount of laughter that filled the theater throughout the show, “Almost, Maine” sure did its job as a romantic comedy.

Email Madison at:
mpetro3@live.esu.edu