This fall the Cabrini Theatre, located behind Grace Hall, will be taking on Almost Maine, a play about love, loss and everything in between.
Almost Maine, written by actor John Cariani, was inspired by his life in Presque Isle, Maine, and was written when Cariani was in search of a quality monologue that spoke to him, as well as story that he felt he could relate to. “We have done very largely scaled productions for such a small space over the last five years, it was time to do something simple, something beautiful.” said Kaitlin Glenn, theater director and adjunct English professor.
Almost Maine is a production that focuses on love in all of its forms. The play includes a couple that is engaged, a couple on the verge of getting a dirvorce and a same-sex couple who fall in love after being best friends. “The overall message of Almost Maine is to follow your heart.” said Glenn.
Attending one of Cabrini’s productions is a great way to show support for the university, but some students find it difficult to know when events are taking place. “I’ve never heard of Almost Maine, but I would attend one of Cabrini’s plays if Cabrini advertised better.” said, Najay Kidd, junior health science major. Kidd explained that seeing more flyers around campus and events in Cabrini’s academic calendar would inspire her to attend events like Almost Maine.
Although some students had trouble staying in the loop about when events are taking place, those who have been able to attend have not been disappointed. “The first play I’d ever seen at Cabrini was Rumors, I have to say that they did an amazing job, I never expected such professionalism from college actors.” said Tiara Colon, junior graphic design major. Colon had never heard of Almost Maine but she highly recommends anyone and everyone to attend at least one of Cabrini’s plays.
Glenn described Almost Maine as a play that is less about the tech and more about the production, unlike other plays that are more focused on costume and set changes. Glenn also pointed out that it is rare to see same-sex representation in older productions like Almost Maine and that because of this, it is one of the few times that it has been seen in a production at Cabrini.
Because the play is based off of ordinary people and a relatable story-line, Glenn said that she has seen the students performing at a level that she had never seen before in other productions.
This is Glenn’s 9th production as the theater director at Cabrini, and she is excited to share a production that she feels that everyone, especially college students, can relate to. “It’s a very real story, it’s about love, relationships and breakups. If there’s anyone who can relate to these situations, it’s definitely younger college students.” said Glenn.
Students can find showtimes for Almost Maine and can purchase tickets either online at Cabrini.edu/theater, or at the door, for $2 per student and $5 for non-students. A link to the Cabrini theatre website can also be found on the Cabrini theater Instagram page, Cabrinitheatre.
