Almost Maine, Slices of Normalcy

Almost Maine is one of the most produced plays that no one seems to have heard of, myself included. So I sat down with Fort Peck Summer Theatre’s Artistic Director Andy Meyers to find out more. Much like last year’s Souvenir, the last production of the 2018 season is a cast favorite. Meyers chooses small productions like this one to show appreciation, not only to the cast members who clamor to be included in these type of smaller productions, but also to the audiences who he knows will love the content.

If you’re a fan of romantic comedy movies (rom-coms) like When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and Sleepless in Seattle, then you are going to love Almost Maine. Eight different vignettes happen on stage, each with its own story that is delicately interwoven with the others. Not only are the conversations happening on the same day, but at the exact moment in time which isn’t apparent, but makes the whole play much more endearing. I asked Meyers, who incidentally also did the set design for this production, which of the stories is his favorite. Not surprisingly, it is the one he directs, titled Sad & Glad, which tells the story of two former lovers, who were engaged, but never got married. They see each other in a bar, and for the first time since the breakup, sit down and actually talk to one another. “It’s real writing,” says Meyers, “everyone can relate to and understand what each of the characters is feeling.”

This one isn’t to be missed. Grab some friends and make a night of it, or enjoy the matinee on Sunday with the kids. Meyers says it’s appropriate for third-graders and up and will keep them entertained with plenty of special effects, stage combat, jokes, and definitely the music (Patrick Cook returns from his last stint at FPST since he was Buddy Holly).

Almost Maine runs from through Sept. 2, Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee starting at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 406-526-9943.