Stage 3 takes a trip to ‘Almost, Maine’

Stage 3 Theatre Company wants you to bundle up and enjoy the lives and loves of the residents of “Almost, Maine.”

The foothill theater’s latest production brings the work by American playwright John Cariani to the stage as its final show of the 2015 season. The story is a series of nine often humorous and romantic vignettes about the residents of a fictitious New England town.

Stage 3 Production Manager Rocky Rhoades steps in to direct the show, which will feature several actors playing multiple roles.

“I fell in love with the script when I read it over a year ago,” Rhoades said. “And I’m so happy to have this opportunity.

“ ‘Almost, Maine’ is a fictional unincorporated town in northern Maine populated by everyday people in sometimes extraordinary situations. It’s about all the things that make us and break us – love, longing, loss – and it’s a great show for the whole family during the holiday season.”

The cast will feature company newcomers and veterans.

Making their debut with the company are Sara Jessica Garcia and Sheri Garland, both playing three roles each in “Almost, Maine.” Fellow actress Emily Kentta also will play multiple roles and returns to Stage 3 after appearing in “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” earlier this season.

The production also brings some behind-the-scenes Stage 3 regulars out in front for a change. Those include frequent stage hand Matthew Leamy and company technical director Hugo F. Martinez. They will be joined by foothills area actor Matthew Hobgood, who also appeared in the Stage 3 season opener “Hughie.”

Rounding out the cast and crew are Matthew Trudell and Brie Shumway, who play the long-suffering stagehands known as the Parka Posse.

“I could not be more excited about this cast and crew and this show,” Rhoades said. “ ‘Almost, Maine’ is sweet, funny and touching, and it’s the perfect cure for the winter blues.”

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Stage 3 takes a trip to ‘Almost, Maine’."