A-State Theatre to Present 2024-25 Season Opening Production, ‘Almost, Maine’
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University's Department of Theatre will open the 2024-2025 season with a production of “Almost, Maine,” a play by John Cariani.
Performances in the Fowler Center's Simpson Theatre are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28 and Friday, Oct. 4, along with 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 and Oct. 6.
A romantic comedy set in the unique and fictional town of Almost, Maine, the production is a collection of nine short vignettes. Each vignette explores a different aspect of love and relationships through the quirky encounters of the town's residents on a cold, clear night under the Northern Lights. From unexpected reunions to humorous misunderstandings, the play delves into the complexities of human connection, featuring heartwarming moments and poignant reflections on love, loss and the pursuit of happiness.
DayDay Robinson, assistant professor of theatre, directs the production, with theatre majors Zane Brewer of Conway, Max Emery of Newport, Selena Hinds of Jonesboro, and Haley Reed of Bay serving as associate directors.
The cast includes Adam Arizaga of Russellville, as Lendall/Phil/Dave; Sangam Bista of Nepal, as Gayle/Rhonda; Olin James of Jonesboro, as Pete/Steve/Man; Maggie Martin of Searcy, as Ginette/Waitress/Marcy; Cristal Martinez of Batesville, as Glory/Marvalyn; RJ Moad of Jonesboro, as Sandrine/Hope; and Isaiah Wallis of Harrison, as Jimmy/Randy. James and Wallis are double majors in theatre and psychology; the others are theatre majors.
The creative team includes Selena Hinds of Jonesboro and Starke McGehee of Arezzo, Italy, serve as costume designers; Caisa Sanburg, associate professor of theatre, is the sound and lighting designer; Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre, is scenic designer; Emily Provence of Searcy is stage manager, assisted by Skylar Hilderbrand of Jonesboro and Ryan Carr of Bono; and Bill Lucas of Jonesboro is fight choreographer.
The production team includes Leah Max of Covington, Tenn., and Skylar Craig of Bay, properties masters; Deanne Flax of Port Arthur, Texas, light board operator; Libby Wills of Russellville, sound board operator; Judith Bossi of Batesville, wardrobe crew head, and Jordyn Counts of Paragould and Ella Scott of Jonesboro, wardrobe crew; Evan Bishop of Trumann and Billy Hankins of Pocahontas, backstage crew; Kat McDaniel of Paragould, house manager; and Zane Brewer of Conway, poster designer.
Tickets may be purchased 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the A-State Box Office in First National Bank Arena or by calling (870) 972-2781. Tickets may also be purchased online at AState.edu/tickets. Prices are $10 for seniors and A-State faculty and staff, and $15 for the general public.
Prospective patrons are cautioned the show contains mild language, themes of love and heartbreak, brief physical violence, and discussions of death.
A-State student tickets are free at the box office with a student ID. Limited seating is available, so it is recommended that patrons reserve seats in advance.
