I still can’t believe it! In this very stage, I watched 9 different love stories unfold in one sitting. Four actors played a total of 19 characters in a series of vignettes set in the fictional town of Almost, Maine.   In this play, residents fall in and out of love in unusual ways on a cold, wintry night as the northern lights illuminated the dark sky.

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Philippine Premiere

From the time of its development in 2002 by John Cariani, Almost, Maine has been garnering critical acclaim. New York Times called it a “beautifully structured play” and a “higher-concept and more clever version of Hollywood hits like Love Actually and Valentine’s Day.” Repertory veteran Bart Guingona directs Reb Atadero, Jamie Wilson, Caisa Borromeo, and Natalie Everett for its Philippine Premiere. It is described as a “gentle and funny play involving real people dealing with affairs of the heart”.

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The Actors

The four main actors are all veterans of Repertory Philippines. Dir. Guingona shared that they had a hard time choosing the cast especially since many actors read for it. There was the task of having the right mix and match of ages, physical appearances, and types. The final choice is critical as the chosen actors will have to play different characters in several different stories to come up with a seamless whole.

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So did they succeed? Oh boy, how they did! I was taken into a feel-good ride as I watched excerpts of life as they happen to two people involved in that emotion we call love. They were so spontaneous and natural, I could have sworn they were not acting. It would actually be difficult to believe that they consider their roles daunting, a fact that was shared by the Director himself.

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Behind the Scene

It has been said that Bart Guingona has never been one to do a play as it is written. This is seen in the unique twists and turns he provides on what is already a wonderful material to begin with. The stage design by Baby Imperial and Coco Anne, lighting by John Batalla, sound design by Jethro Joaquin and costumes by Marta Lovina completes this Valentine offering of Repertory Philippines. With such a heart-warming show, one wouldn’t mind watching this play any time of the year.

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My Say

Our family could not have spent our Saturday afternoon any better. Watching Almost, Maine yesterday was like a soothing balm to our tired senses as it focused on the best of human nature. I could have gone on and on and watched more if more stories were offered but alas even good things come to an end.

You still have time to watch Almost, Maine today at Onstage Theater Greenbelt 1,  3:30 pm. I promise you won’t regret it.

Check out Repertory Philippine’s next offerings here.