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Community Corner

Batavia High School Presents Almost, Maine

Batavia High School presents Almost Maine, nine vignettes about the “almosts” in relationships, written by John Cariani and directed by Joshua Casburn.  The performances will be on May 1-3 at 7:00 pm.  

This romantic, yet humorous, play will be performed on the Main Stage at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.  Tickets are available now online at www.BataviaFineArtsCentre.org and at the box office. (630) 937-8930

Tickets prices are for general admission are $12 for the Orchestra section and $11 for the Mezzanine if ordered online, and $14 for Orchestra and $13 for Mezzanine if ordered through the box office.  

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This thought-provoking play, set in the fictional town of Almost, Maine, explores different short stories each dealing with a unique perspective on love and loss. It starts off with a blooming relationship as Ginette (junior Ally O’Donnell) confesses her love to boyfriend Pete, (freshmen Ian Samsami), hoping for the same response in return. On a potato farm on the outskirts of town, Glory, played by sophomore Sarah Heylmun, waits for the northern lights in a stranger’s yard (sophomore Mikkel Knutson). As the stories continue, the audience sees senior Jacob Livingston play Jimmy as he is reunited with his past girlfriend Sandrine (junior Jenna Dalisay). Marvalyn, played by senior Kelsey Skomer, does her laundry on a Friday night and meets a man who can’t feel pain (junior Aidan Descourouez). As a new relationship starts to blossom, an established couple begins to crumble as Gayle (sophomore Jamie VandenOever) breaks up with her longtime boyfriend, Lendall, played by freshmen Cameron Tucker. Back on the fields of Maine, best friends Randy (senior Roshan Sen) and Chad (senior Aaron Cada) discover unexpected love. “Where It Went” is a story about a married couple, played by junior Jake Birkhaug and senior Sarah Jonke, who are not happy with their marriage, while Hope (senior Katie Bertness) goes back to her past boyfriend and discovers someone much different (sophomore Johnny Hohman) in “Story of Hope”. The play comes to an end when Rhonda, played by junior Anna Masini, finally opens up to longtime friend Dave (senior Adam Burns). The audience will see the subtle connections between the separate tales and learn to laugh and love with the citizens of Almost. Also cast in the show are senior Jordan Morgan, sophomore Maddie Rydholm and freshmen Robbie DiCosola. 

This is the 9th BHS production for Casburn, who directed last winter’s The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Teaming up again with Casburn is technical director Michael Baglieri, a 2009 BHS alum, who is noted for his set construction and special effects work on the popular BHS fall production of Shrek: The Musical.

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With the selection of Almost, Maine, Casburn has selected a play that is unlike any show he has ever produced at Batavia High School.  “We’re so excited to find a show that will connect with audience members, yet still give them a unique experience.  Each one of the scenes that make up the show contains a wondrous and delightful secret.  I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to spoil.”  While he won’t spill the beans about the plot, Assistant Director Lexi Jones adds that, “All the characters’ hopes and dreams in this play hinge on an ‘almost’ moment.  These are high-stakes moments full of doubt, bitterness, joy, and love and, as the play demonstrates, they help make our lives worth living.”

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