Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani, is a play that explores the depths of love and its intricacies. It explores the universal experience of love that everyone craves. The many characters explore the ups and downs of relationships through the lens of absurdism, while placed in a town that almost doesn’t exist. 

The uniqueness and messiness of love is what Almost, Maine is built off of. No relationship is perfect. The idea of soulmates or true love is not presented as the ideal. Instead, the realities of heartbreak and loss are shown as normal, as something that goes along with the experience of falling in and out of love. 

One very real topic explored in Almost, Maine is queer representation. Scene five, entitled “They Fell,” was written as two scenes, one between two males and the other between two females. This scene shows the difficulties that come along with a relationship that is still not widely accepted by some members of society. This is just one of the many complex relationships explored throughout the production. 

Other hardships like divorce, loss and grief are not covered up by other lighthearted scenes. Instead, the comedy compliments the sadness by reminding the audience that good goes along with the bad. 

Each director tackles this show differently, making each production unique. Taking charge of the newest take on Almost, Maine is Thomas Tutsie.

Many things come into consideration when a director chooses a production, and in Tutsie’s case this includes the student body. 

“I want to give students different types of shows and different opportunities,” Tutsie said. 

When choosing a play he asks himself, “Will this show fit for the students in the building right now?” to make sure he is giving them all the opportunity to be a part of theater. 

“It’s non-linear,” Tutsie said. “It’s not all romantic. There is a sense of losing love as well.”

The addition of the feeling of loss is what gives Almost, Maine its depth and authenticity. 

“There’s different arks and levels to it,” Tutsie said. “Each scene, the way it’s titled, there’s a double meaning to it.”

The double meanings and varied nuances of Almost, Maine is what make the show unique. The love stories placed in an “off-the-map town” remain modern and relevant, telling an important story about the universal experience of love in all forms.