One of the most often produced high school plays in the United States is hitting the Walter Reade, Jr. Theatre this weekend. The Storm King School Department of Visual and Performing Arts will present “Almost, Maine” on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Director Anne Fulton said the play is perfect for the students because it consists of nine scenes, but each one is a self-contained play. All but two students have just one part, so no one is under a ton of pressure to learn lines. Each scene is about 10 minutes long. Seniors Scott Rolon and Jack Besterman have roles in two of the scenes
Each scene takes place at 9 p.m. on Friday and all come together at the end.
Fulton describes the play as romantic, with a mix of comedy, making it relevant to teenagers, as well as adults.
“There are a couple of scenes which show characters going through a very difficult time in their relationship,” said Fulton, adding the scenes are nicely paced so there are ones with a lot of comedy and side gags while others can be touching.
In one scene, Besterman and Zoe Stene play a couple whose marriage is starting to come apart.
“It was difficult for them, but the kids are so aware, from movies and real life, that sometimes things happen in a relationship that can cause problems,” Fulton said. “Even though they’re young, they get it.”
One of the reasons “Almost, Maine” is popular, Fulton said, is because it’s manageable, so there were no challenges producing it.
Rehearsals began in September and were held in the evening. Unlike previous plays Fulton and co-director Karen Eremin worked with the students on all the scenes, rather than splitting them up. There were two rehearsals a week, but students only had to show up for one of them
Costumes, designed by Eremin, were relatively easy because the play takes place in modern times, so everyday clothes were required along with some winter jackets and hats.
Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling 845-458-7521 or e-mailing afulton@sks.org.
