Bradley University Theatre opened their second show of the 2011-2012 season on Thursday evening.
"Almost, Maine" is an absolutely delightful little romantic comedy.
It consists of a series of ten vignettes that all take place at the same time on the same day in the fictional town of Almost, Maine.
Six actors play a total of nineteen different roles.
The six actors are Ross Cochran, Ashley Bendien, John Carroll, Chloe Dzielak, Jake Hayes, and Krystal Uhl.
The common themes that tie the pieces together are falling in love (and out) and the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis.
Perhaps the latter - a beautiful, rare, and natural phenomenon - is symbolic for the former.
The show opens and closes with a sweet bit about life on this globe, and and how when we think we are close to someone, that perhaps we couldn't be further apart.
And it takes a bit of effort indeed to get truly close to someone.
Another story involves a pair of drinking-buddy best friends who find themselves falling in love - literally!
There also is a young woman who journeys northward to view the Northern lights bearing her recently broken heart - literally!
Another tale concerns a young woman who seeks to get back all the love she has given her lover of eleven years - literally!
While a couple of the stories are poignant/sad, the majority are funny and clever romps. They seem pleasantly simple on the surface, and yet are layered with symbolism and deeper meaning.
All the young actors do a wonderful job with this show.
It was particularly enjoyable to see Ross Cochran, who has been drawn to darker roles in past productions, deliver some fun and funny performances here.
Chloe Dzielak, who was so wonderful as Mother in the season opener, "Ragtime", returns here with some equally superior performances.
"Almost, Maine" is pure enchantment.
Go see this show, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
It runs through November 20th at Hartmann Center on the BU campus.
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