Romantic comedy first production of theatre’s season

Saint Louis University’s University Theatre will begin its 2010-2011 season with Almost, Maine, written and originally directed by John Cariani.

“Almost, Maine is a romantic comedy that highlights many different love stories with magical twists thrown into them all,” freshman Assistant Stage Manager, James Hawkins said.

The play takes place in the fictional, northern town of Almost, Maine and follows the story of Almost’s residents as they find themselves falling unexpectedly in and out of love.

“What makes the show so entertaining is that all the characters are so literal. If they say, ‘I’m falling in love with you,’ they are literally falling down. It’s hilarious,” Hawkins said.

There is one particular scene that illustrates the romantic nature of the play best, and it just happens to be senior cast member Chris Lyons.

“’Getting it Back.’ Considering the play is a bunch of love stories in a mythical setting, this scene best establishes the narrative and is also the most moving of all the scenes,” Lyons said.

The cast is made up of 10 actors:  five women and five men. Each of the actors plays two different characters throughout the show. They have been doing four and five hour rehearsals every day.

Tom Martin is the director of the production.

“I always enjoy rehearsals with Tom. He is interested in getting into the ‘meat’ of the story in its own unique way,” Lyons said.

Lyons feels that he is able to identify with his character best in the scene “Story of Hope.”

“Everyone has had someone in their life that they regret losing; this scene is all about that,” Lyons said.

Almost, Maine is creating a buzz around campus with students expressing excitement for the play.

Freshman Arthur Congo is excited to see his resident advisor, Billy Bommarito, in the upcoming play.

“Billy really supports all of us in whatever we do, so it will be cool to watch the show and be able to support him. I look up to him, and I know he’ll appreciate his floor being there,” Congo said.

The actors are not the only ones preparing for the upcoming play. There are many more people who have been contributing to the preparations for the production, such as the set and costume designers.

“I haven’t really started working on anything yet, but I love theatre, and I am so excited to get started on creating costumes. I want to meet everyone in the production.” costume designer Felice Lavergne said.

Since it first opened in the winter of 2005, Almost, Maine has been produced in the United States, as well as places around the world, such as Australia, Germany, Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

“The show is coming together wonderfully. It’s so fun to be a part of. It’s going to be great once it’s all put together,” Lyons said.

The show opens Oct. 1 and runs on the weekends of Oct. 1 and Oct. 8. Shows will take place in Xavier Hall Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The theatre is located on the lower level of the building.

Tickets range from $7 for students to $10 for adult general admission.