Local teens to bring "Almost, Maine" to the stage October 18–19

The Washington County Theatre's middle–high school group will present Almost, Maine, a whimsical and heartfelt play by John Cariani with original music by Julian Fleisher, on Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Performances will be held at Gary W. Hartsook Hall, 405 N. Shelby Street in Salem. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and will be available at the door.

Sponsored by Mosier Family Chiropractic, the production features students in grades 7 through 12 from all three local schools as well as members of the homeschool community.

Set in the mythical town of Almost, Maine, the play unfolds on a cold winter night as the northern lights illuminate the sky. Through nine short vignettes, the residents of the small town experience the many ups and downs of love, both magical and ordinary. Known for its mix of humor, tenderness, and small-town charm, Almost, Maine has become one of the most frequently produced plays in North America.

“Working with this group of teenagers on Almost, Maine  has been both a challenge and a joy in the best possible ways,” said the theatre in a press release. “The show explores love in all its many forms – love found, love lost, love rediscovered – and for many of these young actors, it’s their first time stepping into stories that deal with romance, heartbreak, and human connection on such a real level. Watching them learn to navigate those emotions honestly, while still bringing their humor and unique personalities to each scene, has been incredibly rewarding.”

The team added that the cast’s growth throughout the rehearsal process has been remarkable. “They’ve grown not only as performers but as people – learning empathy, vulnerability, and how to tell stories that make an audience feel. Almost, Maine has given them (and us) a reminder that love – no matter how messy or magical – always finds its way.”

The cast includes Jace Canada, Brooks Deaton, Phoebe Ferguson, Hayley Hurst, Juneau Main, Lillie Perry, Sierra Reed, Estin Roop, Wil Sears, Abby Short, Anistyn Sizemore, Grace Snyder, Alex Wilde, Brecklyn Wilde, and Chi Yu Wilde.

Washington County Theatre encourages audiences to come out and support these young performers in a production filled with laughter, heart, and a touch of northern magic.

Mild adult language and content. Suitable for most audiences.