Almost, Maine to delight audiences with laughter

This fall, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan invites area residents to sit back and relax and watch as University Theatre tackles one of the most universal dilemmas of all time – love -- and all the drama, laughter and tears that inevitably go along with it.

Set in the mythical and remote town of Almost, Maine, the production showcases a small cast and all the crazy and heart-wrenching situations that can occur within relationships and when the word “love” enters our vocabulary and hearts.

 

With only eight cast members in the play, each member plays multiple characters in several vignettes showcasing different – and often hilarious – situations where they fall in and out of love.

 

According to University Theatre Director Bruce Browne, audiences will fine that they can truly relate to each of the characters since the plot is so character-driven.

 

“Almost, Maine is a wonderful show for University Theatre. It has multiple roles that go well beyond simple stereotypes and it is written in such a way that it is ‘theatrical’ rather than ‘filmic,” Browne said. “Audience members will recognize elements of their own experiences in these characters. We may have been in some of these types of dilemmas, or have known someone who has been in a similar situation.”

 

“For those situations behind our own life or knowledge, there is humor. This is really a funny play as we watch the characters try to understand each other or even themselves!” he added.

 

The Almost, Maine cast includes both Sheboygan area residents and UW-Sheboygan students and faculty/staff.

 

“This show has been fun to work on,” Browne said. “It is interesting to see the differences between the characters each actor plays and it has been enjoyable watching each one find the comedy – or heartbreak – in a scene.”

 

Cast members include Cathy Cadman, Plymouth; Denise Wilson, Plymouth; J. Evan Thornton, Sheboygan; and students Thomas Hesselink, Gibbsville; Anna Linse, Sheboygan; Peter Dobreynski, Plymouth; and Alicia Zabel, Sheboygan. Technical support staff members include Kathy Saladino, Sheboygan, costumes; and Sarah Larson, Sheboygan, stage manager.

 

Besides serving as the first University Theatre production for the 2010-11 academic year, Almost, Maine also marks Director Bruce Browne’s return to the UW-Sheboygan stage. Browne, who has served the campus as a professor and instructor of Communication and Theater Arts for more than 20 years, previously served as the UT Director from 1985-1998.

 

Browne left his position in 1998 to run a video production business in Connecticut. Upon his return to the Sheboygan area, Browne designed lights and acted with the Baileywick Players in Plymouth, and served as the first Executive Director of the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts. Besides teaching at UW-Sheboygan, Browne has also taught at UW-Washington County, UW-Manitowoc, Taycheedah and Kettle Moraine prisons.

 

Browne said is looking forward to sharing Almost, Maine with Sheboygan audiences and being back at the helm of University Theatre.

 

“Returning to this stage is a bit like returning to your home town after an absence of a few years – the main landmarks are still there, but you sense that some things have changed as well. You remember special people and events as you move about the area and you are excited to return to a place that feels familiar,” Browne said.

 

“Our mission for University Theatre captures much of my passion for theater and this campus: Challenge the mind, capture the heart and tickle the fancy,” he added.

 

Almost, Maine takes the stage throughout November. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on November 5, November 6, November 12, and November 13. Matinees will be offered at 2 p.m. on November 7 and November 14. Concessions will be available in the theater lobby during all intermissions.

 

Tickets are $10 for general seating. UW-Sheboygan students are $5 with ID. Tickets are available one hour prior to all performances in the Box Office located in the Fine Arts Theater lobby. Advance tickets may be purchased in the UW-Sheboygan Business Services Office during regular business hours, or call (920) 459-6652 or e-mail shb.university.theatre@uwc.edu to place your order.

 

UW-Sheboygan’s Fine Arts Theater is handicapped accessible. Wheelchair and handicapped seating is available in the upper tier of seats. Please request these seats upon ordering as they can be reserved.

 

The UW-Sheboygan campus is located at One University Drive, just off Taylor Drive (between Indiana and Union avenues). The Fine Arts Theater is located adjacent to the East Parking Lot. For more information, please visit www.sheboygan.uwc.edu.