Welcome to the Colonial Players Fall Production of Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani.
Have you ever wondered what is happening somewhere else in your town at the exact moment you are on a date or doing laundry? Almost, Maine does just that. It provides audiences a glimpse into nine events impacting nineteen lives across the town of Almost. Each scene centers around love – new and old, strong or broken and reminds us all how important and precious love can be.
In selecting a show, we looked for a piece that would develop and highlight as many students as possible. Almost, Maine provided our students with complex characters faced with various challenges (and sometimes rewards) surrounding love. While this show provided an opportunity for over 20 actors to participate, it lacked the large cast numbers that facilitate bonding which ultimately strengthen a cast. Luckily, our students found other ways to bond and become a cohesive and supportive unit. This love and dedication to one another shows in the final product of the show.
The dedication and time invested by all the students should be apparent. In addition to our actors, student crew members have helped create the show you will see tonight. I would be remiss if I did not thank Audra Polsky for her leadership this fall as Stage Manager. As a collective team, the cast and crew brought this intense story to life.
To the best team a girl could ask for…thank you for the countless hours to make this fall production a success. The theatre has always been my second home and you are definitely my second family. Thank you for your creativity, friendship and dedication. My deepest gratitude to: Melissa Downer (PW Class of ’94) and Jeramie Iannelli (PW Class of ‘2003) for your efforts to bring the characters to life; Eric Scheidly, Peter Kelsey and Barb Sharavsky (and her team) for their efforts to create the look and tone for Almost, Maine through sets, lights, sound and costumes; and, Jen Crea for keeping us all organized and running smoothly. I feel honored to work with such a great team.
Thank you to our Colonial Players parents for their enduring support of their sons’ and daughters’ love for being on the stage. Additionally, a special thank you goes out to the Administration for your support and to the custodial staff for your endless help throughout the run of our production.
To my parents and husband, thank you for your love and support as I explore my passion for theatre. And to Jay for joining in the fun by creating the show cover art and design.
Please join us again for this show or for our spring production of Theory of Relativity in March 2018. Your continued support allows us to create wonderful shows and memories on PW’s stage, thereby keeping the arts alive.
Fondly,
Valerie Cucinotta Collado (PW Class of 1997)
