Almost Maine

CAT’s ‘Almost’ is certainly entertaining

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By John Lyle Belden

When you consider that the Carmel Apprentice Theatre, resident company at The Cat, involves those with limited (or no) experience taking the stage with the aid of mentors, it’s tempting to lower expectations. No need, though, with the CAT production of “Almost, Maine,” by John Cariani.

The northern edge of the United States has an exceptionally weird atmosphere, judging by TV shows like “Northern Exposure” or “Twin Peaks,” or the Maine-set novels of Stephen King. However, likely due to it being “almost” in good-natured Canada, the weirdness in our little township (they almost incorporated into a town) is more bent towards the sublime than the spooky.

Directed by first-timer Zach Kreinbrink with Jayda Glynn, this set of comedy scenes finds love in the air on a winter night.

Pete and Ginette (Tim West and Amelie Thibodeau) test how “close” they can get to each other. Glory (Caroline Ryker) carries her broken heart with her as she looks for the Northern Lights in East’s (Jake Williams) back yard. At the MoosePaddy Pub (“Drink Free If You’re Sad”), Jimmy (West) feels like the bad guy for losing Sandrine (Hannah Vaught), but a cheery waitress (Deanna Larkin) is on hand with her freebie flask.

Can love get through to Steve (Malcolm Marshall), who literally can’t feel pain? Marvalyn (Emma Leary) understands being hurt too well. Lendall (Brandt Ryan) is confronted by sweetheart Gayle (Allison Hermann) who is tired of all their love piling up, just sitting there. Out at frozen Echo Pond, a skating date isn’t going well for Phil (Brian Thibodeau) and Marci (Larkin). All this and more in a gently aburdist world where “falling in love” can literally involve gravity.

An excellent display of budding and hidden talents, this cast charms throughout. Hopefully we’ll see a bit more of these folks on area stages in the future.

For now, visit “Almost, Maine,” Thursday through Sunday, May 4-7, at 254 Veterans Way, Carmel (just south of Main Street downtown). Tickets and info at thecat.biz.

Mud Creek: Where ‘Almost’ seems exactly right

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By Wendy Carson

On the heels of their hilarious Christmas show, (“Inlaws, Outlaws, and Other People Who Should Be Shot”) Mud Creek Players give us another sweet laugh-fest with their latest production, “Almost Maine.”

The title comes from the “not-quite” town in extreme northern Maine, small in population, but overflowing with quirkiness.

There are two people who are either close together or vastly far apart; a woman whose defenses keep her from seeing what’s right in front of her; a misspelling possibly leading to love; the answer to a question asked a very long time ago. Plus, you have two people literally falling in love, the other shoe literally dropping, a couple literally returning their love for each other, a man who literally feels no pain, and an actual broken heart.

All this happens on a cold, wintry Friday night. Those of us of a certain age will feel like we are watching a romantic update of “Northern Exposure,” with all the whimsy on display under the Northern Lights.

This series of scenes is brought to life by Matt Harzburg, Kyrsten Lyster, Lexi Odle, Mason Odle, Jennifer Poynter and Jackson Stollings in multiple roles, directed by Andrea Odle with Amanda Armstrong. They all embrace the charm, wonder and weirdness of the stories, aptly acting as though these odd northwoods happenings occur every day. Thus they make the accompanying feelings seem natural – and somehow relatable to us, watching from a “barn” in the woods near Geist.

While this is a perfect show to bring a date, singles and families will find it just as enchanting. Also, each lady in attendance was given a long-stemmed rose. So brave the cold, and warm up to the sweet charm of “Almost, Maine.”

Performances run through March 2 at 9740 E. 86th St.; call 317290-5343 or visit www.mudcreekplayers.com.