Almost, Maine

Darien Players, Darien Arts Center, 2011

Directed by Carin Zakes

Original Music by Keith Levenson

Designed by Mario Fuentes

Costumes by Terry Hanson. .

Photo credit: Deb Failla

A perfect collision of stars made for a beautiful, emotional and elegant production. The brilliant company of actors included Nancy Anderson, Lynne Barasch, Rasha Clark, Ann Peterson, Mario Fuentes, Scott Faubel, Peter Green and Marc Hartog. 

Director’s Note, Almost, Maine

Darien Arts Center, March 2011

Could there be a more perfect winter to spend working on a production of Almost, Maine? It was easy to imagine ourselves at a northern latitude as we trudged through ice and snow on our way to rehearsal in the cozy Weatherstone Theatre.

 Once inside, John Cariani’s words and characters served to spark our minds and warm our hearts as I hope they will yours tonight.

I have a great affinity for this play and this production.  Maybe it’s because it goes straight to the heart. Love set against the vastness of the universe. Love in all its power and persistence, stubbornly defying logic, common sense and even gravity.

 I am grateful for the collaboration of this talented cast and production staff, often one and the same. Their generosity was boundless.

 Everything can change in the blink of an eye or the flash of a star.  Almost, Maine celebrates the now in the midst of the eternal.

It’s 9PM on a cold winter’s night in the Township of Almost, Maine.

Come on in. Warm your toes, and open your hearts. We are so glad you are here.

Carin Zakes

“One sees clearly only with the heart.  Anything essential is invisible to the naked eye.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery