ALMOST MAINE
SYNOPSIS
A woman caries 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 magic.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Most characters are ages 20s-40s, but casting will be done according to auditions, not strictly based on age.
Many roles may require some level of physical intimacy with another actor. (i.e. touching, hugging, kissing, etc.). The exact amount will be dependent on COVID safety protocols. Your health and safety are our priority!
Many roles can be double cast, and the play can be done with as few as 3 people and as many as 20.
Male Characters:
Pete- Almost pessimistic but he truly loves Ginette, although it’s hard for him to admit.
Steve - Open, clueless, and kind. He is clueless to the world due to his inability to feel any physical pain.
Jimmy - A guy who’s broken heart makes it hard for him to speak his mind.
Randy* - Broke his date’s face while dancing. Ends up having feelings for his best friend, Chad, but it’s hard for him to admit it.
Dave - Not so tough, but loves Rhonda for who she is.
East - A repairman, calm and sincere.
Lendall - Longtime best friend to Gayle. An understanding and collected person who is trying to understand his girlfriend.
Chad* - Was told he smelled by his date. He tells his best friend that he has feelings for him.
Phil - A working man who gets into a fight with his wife after ice skating.
Man/Daniel - The ex of Hope, who left the town. Despite this, his life has gone on and changed without her.
*Randy and Chad must be comfortable portraying characters who are a part of the LGBT+ community. No physical intimacy is involved.
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Female Characters:
Ginette - Optimistic and loving toward Pete. A bit of a chatterbox who rambles on when she’s nervous.
Sandrine - Jimmy’s ex who left him suddenly, but is put together and still sensitive towards Jimmy.
Gayle- Longtime girlfriend to Lendall. A short tempered, passionate and flustered woman who wants to be married.
Hope - A jittery woman who left her boyfriend to go off into the world, and has come back to see him.
Glory - A vulnerable, nervous and guilty hiker.
Waitress/Villian - No nonsense, sassy waitress, who is meant for Jimmy.
Marvalyn - A self protective nurse who is in a rough patch in her relationship.
Marci - The hardworking wife of Phil, who his angry with him over all of the things his work has caused him to miss.
Rhonda - A tough, closed off and nervous woman who is awkward around Dave.
Suzette - Wife of Daniel.
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Auditions are January 14th and 16th from 6:30-9, and will be held at the Assembly Theatre (26 East Ave., Harrisville, RI 02830). At the auditions, there will be cold readings from the script (sides will be provided). Please bring a headshot and resume.
Rehearsals are planned for Sunday afternoons from 1-4 and Monday nights from 6-9. Not all actors will be required for every rehearsal. Tech week is the week of April 6th, and all rehearsals are mandatory. Performances are April 11th, 12th, and 13th.
For questions contact the director: w.richard.johnson@gmail.com
About the director: W. Richard Johnson is an award winning director from RI. For 26 years he traveled with an International Repertory Theatre Company, Covenant Players, and since 2015 he has been back in RI working at local theaters. Recent Credits include: Exit Laughing (Arctic Playhouse and Newport Playhouse), SOAPS short play showcase (RISE), Noises Off, Games Afoot, 39 Steps and 45 Seconds From Broadway (Arctic Playhouse) and Clothes Encounters (Newport Playhouse).
