MKHS Theatre Company Presents… “Almost, Maine”
September 27, 2022
For the first time since their “Alice in Wonderland” play in 2019, Mark Keppel High School is holding a full play production featuring “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani as the theatre team combats a tight schedule.
In comparison to “Alice in Wonderland” and its premiere, which extended until mid-October, “Almost, Maine” is debuting at the end of September. Combined with online learning that accompanied the pandemic and a restricted 2021-2022 year, tech theatre students are not as advanced and experienced as they should be. “We have to pick one that was not as demanding and would fit both groups of actors and cast in a challenging way but not impossible,” Nadine Phillips, MKHS drama director, says.
This performance will incorporate 18 different characters but only 12 different actors, which requires the production team to master character differentiation. The actors include Eric Cervantes, Trinity Chang, Timothy Chuc, Nico Elizondo, Anthony Porras, Raelyn Raygosa, Ronan Rock, Machu Suh, Sean Umeda, and Kayla Young. Luckily, their enthusiasm compensates for their lack in numbers and limited experience from the pandemic. Seniors Chang, Raygosa, Umeda, and Cervantes are all students that are challenged with the task of taking on multiple roles by finding distinctions between the characters.
Centering around residents of a town named “Almost, Maine,” the contrasting scenes capture the uniqueness of human experiences as characters fall in and out of love. With the significance of individuality in the play, it’s also wrapped up in a common theme of romance and humor that is enhanced by metaphorical magic. At the same time, it teaches the audience about missed opportunities and different forms of love.
“Almost, Maine” tickets that are purchased in advance are available for $10 on MKHS Theatre Company’s website until September 28. Tickets are $12 at the door. The play will be on September 29 and September 30 at 7 p.m.
