What play is performed most frequently in the United States? Surprisingly, it’s John Cariani’s Almost, Maine. We went to see it after the local reviews–both radio and print–were enthusiastic. Almost, Maine consists of a series of comedy sketches about love and the problems of being in love. You can see why this play is so popular. Although there are 20 roles, the play requires only four actors. The props are minimal: a couple chairs, a table, some paper on the ceiling to depict the Northern Lights. And a couple of big mounds of snow.
John Cariani started out as an actor. You might know him from Law & Order as Forensics Tech Beck. Cariani wrote this play (his first) in 2004 and it premiered at the Portland (Maine) Stage Company that year and opened Off-Broadway in 2006. Since then Almost, Maine has been a staple for regional theaters, dinner theaters, and high school stages.
Yes, there are some slap-stick moments in Almost, Maine. And some sad moments, too. But overall, the sketches are upbeat and optimistic about Love. If you’re in the mood for something light and fluffy, Almost, Maine is your ticket. GRADE: B
Gee, never heard of it. Sounds like the kind of off-Broadway thing we might have seen, but I don’t remember it playing here.
Jeff, ALMOST, MAINE had a short run off-Broadway. But, it’s incredibly popular with the masses!
Never heard of it either. But there an awful lot of this sort of play at small theaters here.
Patti, the low overhead for ALMOST, MAINE makes it attractive to small theater companies and High Schools.
It’s true. They had a great success here with the adaptation of THE 39 STEPS, with no set and only four performers. It had a nice run at several Broadway theaters and then moved off-Broadway to continue. It was a lot of fun.
Jeff, entertaining plays with few props and few actors attract small theater companies. They’re always operating on a shoe-string budget.
Never heard of it, but then I don’t do light and fluffy.
Steve, if you saw ALMOST, MAINE you’d think someone threw you in a clothes dryer with box of BOUNCE! Pure light and fluffy!
“Incredibly popular” but no one’s heard of it. Ooookay… Twenty sketches about romance and romantic troubles doesn’t sound interesting to me.
Rick, here’s the attraction of ALMOST, MAINE:
ISBN: 978-0-8222-2156-2
Full Length, Romantic Comedy
2 men, 2 women (doubling, flexible casting)
Total Cast: 4, Flexible Set
Apply for Rights
FEE: $120 per performance. SPECIAL NOTE: Original music composed by Julian Fleisher for the Play is available through the Play Service for $20.00. The original music is optional, but highly recommended by the author. To include this music in your production, you must complete the Optional Production Materials Rights Application. If you decide to use this music, the royalty fee for such use is $20.00 per nonprofessional performance.
Me and the kids will be performing it in the barn this June! Pay as you exit!
Bob, it’s always fun to Put On a Show!