“Almost, Maine,” is a play by John Cariani, comprising nine short plays that explore love, and loss, and a little bit of magic in a remote, mythical almost-town called “Almost” Maine. On a cold, clear midwinter night, under the northern lights in the sky above, residents of Almost Maine are falling in and out of love in the strangest and magical ways. Love is lost, found, and confounded, and life for the people of ‘Almost, will never be the same.
“Almost, Maine” premiered at the Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine, where the production broke box office records and garnered critical acclaim. Playwright John Cariani released a new novel based on the play in 2022! The warmth and humor of the Mainers that populate this story are truly extraordinary. What better place to enjoy this show than in “Maine’s Most Enchanting Playhouse?”
Sponsored by…R.W. Merrill Electrical Contractors
ALMOST, MAINE
By John Cariani
ALMOST, MAINE was developed by The Cape Cod Theatre Project.
Professional Premiere Production: Portland Stage Company Anita Stewart, Artistic Director
Tami Ramaker, Managing Director.
Originally produced in New York by Jack Thomas/BulldogTheatrical and Bruce Payne.
Co-Directed by Lenore Grunko and Gail Phaneuf
Sound Design/Video Design by Gail Phaneuf
Set Design and Construction by Ken Ross
Lighting Design by Aaron Skolfield and Dylan Schell
Featuring original music “My Sweet Maine” by Terry Swett
*Note to Audience: The videotaping or audio and/or visual recording of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense. This production of ALMOST, MAINE is presented through special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC.
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Broadway Licensing, LLC.
SCENE BREAKDOWN
PROLOGUE
ACT ONE
Scene 1: Her Heart
Scene 2: Sad and Glad
Scene 3: This Hurts
Scene 4: Getting It Back
INTERLOGUE
ACT TWO
Scene 5: They Fell
Scene 6: Where It Went
Scene 7: Story of Hope Scene 8: Seeing the Thing
EPILOGUE
PLACE: Almost Maine
Various locales in Almost, Maine, a small town in far Northern Maine that doesn’t quite exist.
TIME:
The present. All events transpire over the same ten minutes -from around 8:50 to a bit after 9 P.M.- on a cold, clear, moonless, slightly surreal Friday night in the middle of the deepest part of a Northern Maine winter
Executive Director / Artistic Director / Director Notes
Welcome to ALMOST, MAINE! I chose to program this sweet play for Deertrees Theatre as a way to cast several local actors and create this rural northern Maine “Almost” town before your eyes. I want to thank our tireless actors, our crew, and our staff for making this possible and believing in this show. Our own small town of Harrison, and the surrounding communities have joined talents to whisk you all away to a hopeful and magical place when the elusive and spectacular Northern Lights appear. This has been a true labor of love and we hope that you enjoy it. Thank you for your continued support for Deertrees Theatre, and please, share our work with others if you enjoy it. We could never do this without you and our sponsors, donors, volunteers, board members and community – and a little bit of magic…
Gail Phaneuf, Executive Director
Co-Director’s Note – Lenore Grunko
ALMOST, MAINE has an iconic place in theatrical production for many reasons- it has universal appeal and many practical production aspects for theaters of all kinds. The insider references taking place in this play truly ‘up’ the appeal of it ten-fold, especially for those of us “from Maine”. It’s a pleasure to work on this piece because of the brilliance John Cariani brings to the page. In every scene that takes place (at the same time as 8 others) we are able to catch a glimpse inside of the lives of ordinary people, such as ourselves, who are doing their best to make the most of their intimate relationships. We leave them at 9PM on a Friday night more hopeful than we began. We should all be so lucky.
Lenore Grunko, Co-Director
Lenore Grunko Bio:
Lenore is delighted to be working with this cast and crew after finding a Covid retreat in Waterford . Theater is her passion. She made her home in Connecticut many years ago after growing up in Bangor. In between, she’s directed, acted in, choreographed and costumed dozens of theatrical productions in high schools, community theaters, regional theaters and college. Her encore career extended to teaching theater at Eastern CT State University- a highlight. She has an M. A. in Performing Arts from American University. Many thanks to her supportive husband, Patrick and comfort dog, Pepper.
Luke Allen is very excited to be making his Deertrees Theater debut. Luke first heard of Deertrees by doing a theater summer camp here while in Elementary school. Between then and now, Luke graduated from Bates College in 2022 with 2 degrees in History and Theater (with a focus in Acting). Luke now works as an educator, and runs the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Drama Club. When not grading papers and directing high schoolers, Luke plays board games, Dungeon and Dragons, and enjoys relaxing by Stony Brook with family and friends.
Scarlett Priola recently moved to Harrison last year. She goes to Baxter High School of Technology, Arts, and Science, located in Portland. Most of her hobbies surround some form of art, such as drawing, sewing, singing, and baking. She would like to thank Gail Phaneuf for getting her the part of Ginette; without her, she wouldn’t have known this ay existed. She would also like to thank Lenore Grunko for helping her and giving her tips with her acting.
Adrienne Cote is originally from Hingham, Massachusetts, Adrienne has performed all over New England. Adrienne now resides locally in Paris, Maine. Locally, Adrienne has appeared as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. Adrienne is best known for Late Nite Catechism, and Menopause the Musical.
This is Daniel’s 15th year of acting in these Oxford Hills. His roles have ranged from the Gentleman Caller Jim from the Glass Menagerie, to the Drunkard Dr. Lyman in Bus Stop, to a little red crab with a big personality named Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. Some of his Favorite roles were Horton the Elephant in Seussical, and Easton, Chad and Dave in ALMOST, MAINE. His knees never fully recovered from his role as Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. James from Circle, Mirror, Transformation was a uniquely challenging and emotional role, and most recently Mr. Green from Clue: The Stage Play and Misery as Sheriff Buster. Dan is excited to appear in ALMOST, MAINE on the Deertrees Stage.
Jenn Rennie is thrilled to return to the Deertrees Theatre stage after more than 20 years. This is where she discovered her love of community theater, as a young nun in The Sound of Music. More recently, she played Nancy in OHMPAA’s production of The Papermaker, and Hope in Nezinscot Valley Community Players’ production of this very same show. Off the stage, she’s a Latin teacher at Gorham High School, wife to her darling husband Daniel, and mom to two beautiful, busy kids.
Kelly Schell has been a teacher since 1989 and has lived in 8 states…soon to be 9. She has 3 wonderful children and loves to cook and travel. She has done bits of acting in various plays and feels as if she is always on stage while teaching. Kelly grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and will be moving to Birmingham, Alabama this summer. She has summered in the Naples, Maine area for over 50 years.
Ben Custer is an English and History teacher at nearby Bridgton Academy. After getting a degree in English & American Literatures from Middlebury College, Ben spent a brief time teaching in Connecticut before he moved to Chicago and pursued a career in acting. After training under Audrey Francis at Black Box Acting School, Ben enjoyed brief professional success before a certain virus shut down the theaters and everything else. The prolonged time to think prompted the career change that brought him to Bridgton Academy, but he is thrilled to return to the stage this summer and work on a show that celebrates the great people of Maine.
Terry Swett is a native of North Norway, Maine, Terry spent his early years developing a travelog of stories inspired by small-town America. During his many travels throughout North America he often sang for his supper as he matured into a prolific songwriter. At one point he even spent time along Nashville’s “music row” polishing song-writing skills and sharing stages with some of the best writers in the business. Most of Terry’s 40+ years of performing have been either as a solo act or as part of a duet; but in recent years with his creation of the Milltown Roadshow band played to rave reviews. When not playing music you may find Terry practicing his fabled talents as a professional sign maker at Swett Signs, his shop in Harrison.
Dinah Aldrich is a 100% “hahbah” chick, born and raised in South Portland. She moved to Windham to teach Kindergarten and raise her four kids and stayed there until she retired! Now, Dinah is enjoying some time to explore new things: acting, boating, traveling and being a Nana.
This is Alice’s first play since grammar school, over 60 years ago. (She thinks she played a piece of fudge!) Alice was born and raised in Maine. She has always lived around Long Lake, Brandy Pond, and Sebago, and has great childhood memories living in those areas. To be in a play has been on her bucket list for awhile (and she is glad her role is nonspeaking. A great ebay to get her feet wet.) Alice thinks she is officially the oldest one (She’s in her early seventies) “acting” in ALMOST, MAINE, and is so excited to join the rest of the cast members to present an entertaining show.
Barb Stauble has been active in local community theaters (both on stage and behind the scenes) since she was stung by the theater bug at 14 years old. Her most fun and memorable roles were that of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz with Windham Center Stage Theater in 2001, and again in 2017 with Lake Region Community Theater. She claims raising her 7 children prepared her for the role better than anything else. Barb has served on the Deertrees Board of Directors for several years and had a blast playing Cassandra, the psychic housekeeper, in Deertrees Theatre’s production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in 2021. She is thrilled to be sharing the stage with such talented actors and her daughter, Jill!
Mike’s most recent roles include Colonel Mustard in Clue, Schultz in Circle Mirror Transformation, and Henry McCoy in Papermaker. A long long time ago, Mike played Pete, Jimmy, Lendall, Randy and Man in ALMOST, MAINE, and thus is excited to perform the role of Steve today! Mike parents a teen, preps seniors for the transition to Medicare at age 64 and a half (Wheelers Insurance in South Paris & Bethel), brings our local community together to address our climate emergency (Center for an Ecology Based Economy in Norway) and teaches
Re-Evaluation Counseling (listeningwell.info).
Amity Gottschalk is super excited to perform in her first production at Deertrees Theatre! A lifelong thespian, Amy most recently played The Trunchbull in a local production of Matilda! The Musical. During the day, she can be found perfecting multiple characters as a teacher at Stevens Brook Elementary School. Otherwise, she’s often busy having adventures with her daughter, dancing, and playing music loudly.
This is Bob’s first time at Deertrees and hopefully not his last. He has really enjoyed the experience. Bob starred in a few plays in highschool but then had to take a “life” break. He rejoined the stage with Lake Region Community Theater in James and the Giant Peach then again last year in Matilda. He is currently also rehearsing for his part in Sound of Music, also with LRCT. Bob has also been a voice actor in 1 released episode of the podcast Theatrical Shenanigans with 3 more coming later this year.
Ben, the son of two pastors & born in Newton, Massachusetts, spent his younger years in the Bridgton area. He attended high school in Boothbay Harbor, and there he found a deeper interest in theatre. He briefly attended Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL, where he studied Show Production. Ben has a long on-and-off background in retail management with companies such as RadioShack and Spectrum cable. Ben is currently working as a carpenter doing restoration of a historic barn, as well as managing a local band, Clapping in Irons. In his free time, he is also an avid photographer.
Brent Lake is a homegrown Maineiac who grew up in Locke Mills, Maine. He is a U.S. Air Force retiree residing in Rumford, Maine. Brent made his stage debut during “An Evening at Dave’s Sauna” last summer here at Deertrees Theatre as the nerdy 9 To 5 Guy, and will be playing him again in this summer’s production here at Deertrees Theatre.
Allison Taber is a mother of two daughters, Abbigale & Brooke, and will be celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary this September with her husband, Matt. She has lived in Harrison for 19 years and grew up in North Berwick, Maine. Allison has worked with children for 25 years and currently serves as a Youth Services Coordinator at the Harrison Village Library. In addition, she spends time with children teaching dance classes, yoga, and Zumba at The Ballroom in Harrison, Maine. Finally feeling brave enough to step outside her comfort zone, theatre has been something she has found passion and excitement for, and is looking forward to learning and growing with the Deertrees Theatre community!
Andy Pattie is thrilled to make his Deertrees Theatre debut. Andy moved to Harrison in 2005 from Windham, Maine. Most of his childhood was spent in New Hampshire, where he performed in several plays in grammar and high school. Andy spent 27 years in the Army National Guard and retired in 2014 as a First Sergeant. He and his wife, Teresa, co-own the Barking Chicken Craft Bar and Gallery here in Harrison, Maine.
Bruce Carver (Man in Story of Hope) is thrilled to be a part of the Magic of Almost Maine at Deertrees. Bruce was first seen (and to be seen again this summer) at DeerTrees as “Gary” in A Night At Dave’s Sauna (2022). He also pranced across the stage during Drag Queen Bingo, as Moira Rose alongside The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Self-acclaimed trivia guru and fashion diva, he enjoys pontoon karaoke with his Long Lake Loonie Sistahs of Cape Monday. A lifelong singer and intuitive dancer, he performed with the Maine Gay Men’s Chorus for over a decade, and still accepts requests for weddings (I do!) and the occasional funeral (RIP!). His good twin, The Schoolmarm, teaches French, Spanish and a splash of American Sign Language.
Enjoy this special show!
Kathryn Gardner lives in Otisfield, Maine with her family and works as a Somatic Movement Therapist. She likes dancing, making music, and gardening, and tries to find ways to advocate for artists, women & the planet. She loved playing with folks on stage and performing in many OHM PAA productions including On Golden Pond, The Road to Eden’s Ridge and Circle Mirror Transformation. “Shout out to Cindy, Matt & Michael who played with me the first time we did ALMOST, MAINE. Also-to my family and friends who brighten these troubled times, especially Michael, Olivia, our two kitties and Remy the wigglebutt dog- I love you:•
Teresa Dyer (Hope in Story of Hope (July 21-23) hails from Bridgton and is a vocalist and actress with over 20 years of performance experience. Some of her theatre credits include Lizzie in Goblins Market, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda! The Musical, Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, Carol in The Last Romance, Grace Farrell in Annie, Hailey Walker in the one-woman show, Bad Dates, and Countess Aurelia in the Mad Woman of Chai/lot. She is an active member of the singing group The Dusty Divas and her solo performances have included a Linda Rondstadt Tribute Concert. She can be seen next at the Lovell Brick Church where she will perform a Tribute to Female Country Legends show and in Lake Region Community Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music as Baroness Schrader.
Kelly Schell has been a teacher since 1989 and has lived in 8 states…soon to be 9. She has 3 wonderful children and loves to cook and travel. She has done bits of acting in various plays and feels as if she is always on stage while teaching. Kelly grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and will be moving to Birmingham, Alabama this summer. She has summered in the Naples, Maine area for over 50 years.
This Deertrees Theatre debut mark’s Jill’s first time back on stage in 15 years and WOAH does it feel good! When she’s not pretending she doesn’t know how to kiss, you can find her as the proprietor of the Greenwood Manor Inn, a B&B just around the corner which she owns with her husband, Joe, and the Dream-Team. She’s in the kitchen 99% of her day, whipping up everything sugary for her other business, The Winey Baker, of which she has been the sole owner for the last 11 years as a wedding cake designer and dessert table extraordinaire. She loves her three kids more than life itself, along with a glass of bubbly and a good book. She hopes you love the show *almost* as much as she does!
Sarni Sabbagh is a first time Deertrees Theatre actor who is thrilled to be performing professionally! Their life goals change more than their hairstyle! Their current ambition is to become a licensed yogi and open their own studio in the future, but like climate change, who knows what will happen…Sami would like to thank Gail Phaneuf for the opportunity and all of the Deertrees Theatre community members for being so welcoming and supportive.
Emily Pattle is a Maine native studying screenwriting and playwriting at S college. This is her third summer at Deertrees, and like the others will be in charge of a various array of tasks from helping run sound to assisting at the Salt Lick cafe. She’s a lover of the theatre and is happy to be a part of Deertrees and her local community!
Aaron Skolfield is happy to be a part of this beautiful production of ALMOST, MAINE. He has primarily worked with Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association (OHMPAA) as a part of their Board of Directors. He was recently a producer of their acclaimed production of Misery and has done lighting and sound design for various productions. You might have seen Aaron on stage at OHM PAA as Wadsworth in Clue, Lancelot in Monty Python’s Spamalot or Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In real life, Aaron is a media director, photographer, videographer,and also has a small role as a woodworker. He has been married to the beautiful and talented Janelle Raven for 9 years. Aaron has 4 cats and an old house, all of which need constant attention.
Dylan Schell is a recent high school graduate planning on starting university this fall semester at University of Georgia. From Minnesot, and now residing in Georgia, Maine has always held much significance to Dylan. He is delighted to be spending his summer in Harrison, Maine with family and working at the Deertrees Theatre as well as The Olde Mill Tavern. This summer season at Deertrees sees Dylan focusing on programming and running light cues for various shows. He hopes that his work at Deertrees can help create and sustain a lively and loving community in this very historic treasure of Harrison
