By Marilyn Jozwik
‘Almost Maine’ by John Cariani has become a staple in theater repertoire’s since its inception in 2004 and it’s easy to see why. It’s funny, poignant, clever and engaging. Plus, its cold, snowy Maine setting and vignettes of portrayals of love make it a yummy holiday entertainment feast.
I’ve seen the show several times, but never enjoyed it so much as Next Act Theatre’s recent version. Part of it is being able to better appreciate Cariani’s expert writing in creating memorable, relatable characters and charming looks at love in nine short stories. It’s one thing to have 120 minutes to flesh out characters. It takes a whole other expertise to do it in less than 15 minutes.
Rudy Galvan and Bree Beelow in a scene from Next Act Theatre’s “Almost, Maine.”
Under the direction of Karen Estrada, the four performers -- Rachael Zientek, Jake Horstmeier, Rudy Galvan and Bree Beelow -- play multiple roles and give each of their characters loads of substance and realism. Even when a character carries a broken heart in a bag or brings her boyfriend’s love in sacks, they are not jokes or punchlines. They keep their humanity, which makes their stories more touching, sad, joyous or humorous.
The show takes place in the cozy, fictional Almost, Maine, described by one character like this: “We never got organized, so we’re ‘almost’ (a town).” Each little story is a thought-provoking gem – almost needing more than just a quick scene change to fully digest. But while the dialogue is taut and carefully crafted, there is much conveyed in the silences and body language – indecision, longing, wistfulness.
I love Horstmeier in the bookend scenes as he waits for his girlfriend with a myriad of looks, from resignation to anticipation. He ratchets up the intensity effectively as he verbally spars with his wife (Beelow) at the skating rink in perhaps the most poignant scene of the nine.
Galvan has several fine turns, but my favorite is the scene with a woman (Zientek) who camps out on his lawn to watch the Northern Lights. The situation is strange, but the two draw you in so convincingly as to believe it could happen.
Zientek is especially appealing in the story in which she decides to break up with her boyfriend (Galvan), who refuses to make a commitment. Just a charming piece.
Beelow displays a wide range of characterizations, but none better than that of a tough, outdoorsy woman who needs lots of coaxing to see the love of her adoring boyfriend (Galvan) in a funny, charming bit.
Scenic designer Lisa Schlenker and scenic artist Carri Dahl have created a lovely winter set featuring a towering evergreen tree backdrop and ice and snow-dappled stage, making one want to join the scene with a mug of hot cocoa.
If you go
Who: Next Act Theatre
What: “Almost, Maine”
When: Through Dec. 15
Where: 255 S. Water St., Milwaukee
Info: NextAct.org; 414-278-0765