A good play will let you laugh, shed a tear and might even hit you in the back of the head with an ironing board. “Almost, Maine,” performed by the FCHS Theatre Department, accomplishes all three…almost. Almost a comedy, almost a drama, almost a love story, the play is a series of vignettes, ten couples that share their story under the Northern Lights in the fictional town of Almost, Maine.

Written by John Cariani, it has been hailed as a modern day “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and according to Director Craig Edgerton, it is one of the most popular high school plays produced in the past ten years.

“After doing a musical for the past two years, I wanted to try something different, something that challenged my students and was creatively different from our past productions,” said Edgerton.

In fact, due to the nature of the play, this year’s show will be performed in the Drama Box (Mr. Edgerton’s room on the 1st floor), instead of the auditorium.

“It is an intimate story, so we wanted an intimate setting…a space that will bring the actor closer to the audience. We have transformed the Drama classroom into a starry landscape, perfect for viewing the Northern Lights,” Edgerton explained. It has something for everyone. Similar to romantic comedy’s like the movie, “Love, Actually,” it is funny, serious and thought provoking.

“Almost, Maine” opens Friday, April 14, and continues April 15, 20, 21, and 22. All shows are at 7 pm. It runs just under 2 hours, with intermission. There will also be a matinee show on Saturday, April 22, at 2pm.

Doors open 30 minutes before the show. General admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased online at fchs.seatyourself.biz, and at the door. Due to limited seating, everyone is encouraged to buy tickets online and arrive early for the best seats.

Photo contributed by Craig Edgerton