Thomas Examines Love in 'Almost, Maine'

The contemporary play "Almost, Maine" takes a joyful and poignant look at love on the stage of Westmont’s Porter Theatre Nov. 14-­15, 20­-22 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15; $10 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online at westmont.edu/boxoffice or by calling (805) 565-­7140. The play, which contains adult themes, is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Mitchell Thomas, associate professor of theater, who most recently starred in "The Cherry Orchard" and "Hamlet" and earned an Independent Theatre Award for directing Westmont’s "Electra" last winter, directs "Almost, Maine" and is excited about the change of mood.

"It’s been a great gift to work on this beautiful, funny, heartfelt and deeply human play," he says. "After a recent string of more dramatic and tragic work as an actor and director, my soul has leapt at the opportunity to get to spend some time in this delightful and comedic midwinter night’s dream — broken hearts and all."

"Almost, Maine," written by John Cariani, premiered in 2004 and has been wildly popular at professional theater and educational institutions around the country ever since. "For our season this year, I was looking for a contemporary play with flexible casting, strong acting opportunities, broad appeal for audiences and a comic sensibility," Thomas says. "'Almost, Maine' fit the bill perfectly."

Thomas has employed 10 student actors for the performance, including first years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and two recent alums.

"'Almost, Maine' looks at love in all of its beautiful, awkward, hilarious and unsettling dimensions," Thomas says. "All of us know what it is to be wildly in love, or to want to be in love, or to fall out of love, or to have our hearts broken. At its core, the play helps us to laugh at, to better understand, and to explore more deeply one of the most essential human experiences."