YSU’s ‘Almost, Maine’ occupies a warm spot

By STEPHANIE OTTEY

YOUNGSTOWN — In weather this cold, the last thing anyone wants to do is to escape to Maine for a while, but audiences might change their mind after seeing “Almost, Maine” at Youngstown State University.

The play by John Cariani peeks into the lives of the residents of Almost, an unorganized territory in the state of Maine. Though there is no defined plot to the show, it is comprised of eight uniquely comedic scenes (nine if you count the prologue/epilogue) that make a statement on the theme of love. With lots of humor, wit and kisses, “Almost, Maine” will certainly warm your heart.

The four actors in the show are responsible for creating the 15-plus characters in these short scenes and do so in a most entertaining way.

Nathan Beagle, a junior, has again proved himself as one of YSU’s best. Whether playing Lendall, whose girlfriend of 11 years has just asked to return to her the love she gave him, or Chad, who realizes he has just fallen in love with his best pal, Beagle adopts a character and commits to it like nobody else. His knack for physical comedy is counterbalanced by an ability to bring such genuine sincerity to a character that it is impossible to dislike him. Here, he is given the chance to display his wide range of talents.

Roxanne Hauldren also brightens the stage as Jeanette, Sandrine, Marvalyn and Hope. Hauldren brings a coy, unassuming, beauty to the stage that makes her the perfect girl-next-door in each scene. Her compassion for her lonely ex in the scene “Sad and Glad” seems delightfully honest, and she is given the opportunity to display her skill for physical comedy in “This Hurts.”

Her counterpart in “This Hurts,” Patrick McGuire, is another strong force on stage.

McGuire, who made his debut last semester in YSU’s “Little Women,” fits in well with the rest of this comedically inclined cast. His portrayal of Steve, the awkward young man who is trying to determine what to be afraid of, is goofy and charming at the same time.

McGuire also proves his worth as a romantic lead as East in “Her Heart.”

Last, but not least, we meet Shawna Jones, a sophomore vocal performance major. Jones brings so much to the stage that it is infectious. Watching her have fun makes the audience have fun, and her excitement is refreshing. She creates multiple laugh-out-loud moments as Rhonda, Waitress, Gayle and Glory. Jones is definitely someone to keep an eye on.

These talents all appear on a clever set designed by Paige McNamera. The stage is built as thrust, which means that the audience sits on three sides of it. The only side that is used for exits and entrances is brilliantly made of layers of sliding panels that move sideways to reveal various scenes and places — a perfect design for a show such as “Almost, Maine.”

Laura Young created an array of costumes that were so appropriate for a northern climate that you actually believed the actors would be cold without them. The lights designed by John Zelezniak were equally tasteful.

None of this would have come together, however, had it not been for student director Joel Stigliano. His casting was superb, and his creativity is apparent because even the scene changes are entertaining. He has created a deep, yet light show that is charming from every angle. Stigliano has proved that the Black Box productions of YSU are still a necessary breath of fresh air in the university season. Too bad the show only runs this weekend.

“Almost, Maine” will be presented at 7:30 tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday at Spotlight Arena Theater in Youngstown State University’s Bliss Hall, on Wick Avenue. Call (330) 941-3105.