brief by Maddie Knopke

gallery by Caroline Fiss

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This February, STA’s theater department will present John Cariani’s tragicomedy “Almost, Maine”. Set in the mythical town of Almost, Maine, the production center itself around multiple main characters who fall in and out of sometimes-comical love. Although it may be filled with heartbreak and bruised love, the story doesn’t fail to heal almost all wounds with it’s warm-hearted humor.

The production is a series of vignettes, every scene being it’s own mini episode with a new emotional temperature. Each story focuses on the love between two new characters. There are 8 couples total, all at different stages in their relationships.

“I chose [“Almost, Maine”] because it’s just such a cute little love story, everything is so honest. I’m excited already,” director Shana Prentiss said.

An STA sophomore who auditioned, Gracie Fleming, explained that the characters are sincere people with real issues and emotions.

“As a whole, [“Almost, Maine”] explores everything from risk taking to perseverance to commitment issues,” Fleming said.

According to Sarah Kostoryz, a senior who auditioned, “Almost, Maine” plays off of the pain of love but also love’s amazing joy to create comedy.

Kostoryz also explained that there was some uncertainty regarding a scene about two young girls who fall in love.

“Because STA is a Catholic school, we were kind of unsure if we would be able to include that story. But I’m pretty sure we got it cleared,” Kostoryz said.

Auditions were held on December 4th and callbacks on December 5th. There were 45 total STA students and 10 Rockhurst High School students who auditioned. The cast list was posted Wednesday evening, announcing a cast of 12 girls and 8 boys.

“There was literally a line up the auditorium for auditions. I’ve never seen so many people wanting to be apart of an STA production, it was great.” Kostoryz said.

STA students still have a chance to be a part of “Almost, Maine” by signing up for crew which will be available to do after break.