By Victoria Dolan

Hull High School Theatre Arts’ (HHSTA) newest play, “Almost, Maine,” will open this weekend, offering entertainment to Hull residents and new opportunities for the students acting in it. The play, which explores themes of love and loss in a small town in rural Maine, comprises of a large cast including many underclassmen and middle-schoolers.

“Middle-schoolers and freshmen got opportunities to act in a leading role, which we hadn’t been able to do before,” explained Co-Director Erin O’Donnell. This, she explained, allows them to attend rehearsals with and learn from the examples of the more experienced actors in the production, so “they get to emulate it in their own acting.”

Doing a straight play instead of a musical offers other benefits, explained Co-Director Emily O’Donnell.

“You have to focus more on words and acting ability,” she said, and “sharpen those skills.”

One of the biggest challenges, acting-wise, is also one of the best reasons potential audience members should come see the show, Emily said. The portrayal of relationships in the show, which require careful work with actors, “pushes the boundaries of what people have seen on this stage.” Pushing those boundaries is “rewarding because people are going to come to see the show and see something new for HHSTA.”
Erin thinks “Almost, Maine” might interest local theatregoers for an additional reason, as it depicts a fictional small town not too different from Hull.

“Everyone can relate to different things,” she said, especially because “multiple characters have lines about stereotypes of a small town that everyone in Hull can relate to.”

Emily hopes town residents come to see the show to “see the closing of a really successful year, and to come and celebrate with the rest of the kids.”

“It’s worth the watch,” added Erin.

Performances of “Almost, Maine” will take place in the Joseph C. Doniger Auditorium at Hull High School on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., as well as on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/73058

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint. For questions or comments, please contact dolan.victorialani@gmail.com.