Overview
Synopsis
A woman carries her heart, broken into nineteen pieces, in a small paper bag. A man shrinks to half his former size, after losing hope in love. A couple keep the love they have given each other in large red bags, or compress the mass into the size of a diamond. These playful and surreal experiences are commonplace in the world of John Cariani’s Almost, Maine, where on one deeply cold and magical Midwinter Night, the citizens of Almost -- not organized enough for a town, too populated for a wilderness -- experience the life-altering power of the human heart. Relationships end, begin, or change beyond recognition, as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers. Propelled by the mystical energy of the aurora borealis and populated with characters who are humorous, plain-spoken, thoughtful, and sincere, Almost, Maine is a series of loosely connected tales about love, each with a compelling couple at its center, each with its own touch of sorcery.
**Casting note: Almost, Maine was written with the intent to allow doubling, and can be performed by as few as 4 actors (2 Male, 2 Female), however the playwright encourages flexibility in the ensemble, and the play can be performed by as many as 19 actors (10 Male, 9 Female.)
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Context
Almost, Maine was developed in 2002 at the Cape Cod Theater Project in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Gabriel Barre directed. It officially premiered two years later at the Portland Stage Company under Barre’s direction. The play broke box office records and received acclaim from critics. After a brief Off-Broadway run in 2006, Almost Maine was listed in New Playwrights: Best Plays of 2006 and was published by Dramatists Play Service the following year.
Since its premiere, Almost Maine has
to read the context for Almost, Maine and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Prologue On a cold Friday night in Almost, Maine, Pete and Ginette sit on a bench in Pete’s yard and look at the stars. They reveal their love for each other, but the moment seems lost when Ginette says she’s never been closer to Pete. Pete tells her that they are, in fact, as far apart as they could be. He demonstrates using a snowball, explaining that their positions are as far apart as possible when placed on an equatorial plane around the globe. In other words, Ginette would have to go
to read the plot for Almost, Maine and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
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Character Portrayals
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Key Terms
A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence and responsibility, often reflected in modern theatre.
A literary and theatrical style blending realistic narrative with fantastical elements to explore complex truths.
A dramatic approach that diverges from reality to express inner truths, ideas, or heightened emotional states.
A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.
A philosophical approach emphasizing reason and emotional control, reflected in characters who endure suffering with quiet strength.
A dramatic style focused on dreamlike imagery and illogical scenes to explore the subconscious or challenge realism.
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