Schuster Theatre Takes Audiences to Almost Maine

Contributed

Taking place against the ethereal backdrop of the northern lights, Almost Maine is a theatrical mosaic of nine love stories in smalltown Maine.

Thursday, Sept. 26

Gannon University's Schuster Theatre presents Almost Maine, a work of magical realism encompassing nine love stories.

Set in Almost, Maine, each scene in the piece serves as a glimpse into a different person's life, taking place ten minutes before the aurora borealis.

The individual scenes dote on the various kinds of love, all while searching for the human connection every person longs for.

The townspeople of Almost, Maine are all on the verge of a breakthrough, and once the northern lights begin, they can no longer hide who they are. The fantastical elements of discovery are highlighted by the aurora borealis lights and special effects.

Director Alaina Manchester said because of this, the play is a great show for young adults since they are living a journey of love and soul-searching in a more heightened environment.

"They (the townspeople) kind of remind us how small we are but at the same time, how vast we are as a people," Manchester said. "College students are at that point in their life where they are starting to think about that, and for some of them, it's the first time."

Since the style of the play is magical realism, Manchester said they really lean into the magic part. They even created a movement piece at the beginning of the show to emphasize the captivating essence of mystery woven throughout.

"It's a lovely production, it's laugh-out-loud funny, and it's a great show to take a date to or maybe even find one there," Manchester said.

— Chloe Forbes

Thursdays through Saturdays through Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. // 620 Sassafras St. // For tickets and more information, visit schustertheatre.com