This year, the Pennridge Performing Arts Department chose the play Almost Maine as its 2025 fall production. The play consists of a series of eight vignette-style performances centered around the complex nature of romantic relationships and takes place in a remote town in Northern Maine on a cold, moonless night. Almost Maine’s characters are real and relatable, portraying romantic struggles in a comedic light.
The play took place on Thursday, Nov. 13, Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15, all at Pennridge, and was put together on very short notice, as stated by actor Liam Dimmick, “We had four weeks to prepare for this show.” The limited preparation time was due to the reworking of staff, mainly the introduction of Megan Cordes, the new director. Despite limited preparation time, an impressive set was assembled, mostly by parents of performers and regular students alike. The set featured elements of the plot, including Echo Pond, the Moose Pub, and the snowy winter landscape. Each location found a unique place in the different vignettes as the characters underwent the struggles of love and relationships.
Liam found his roles in two of these skits, playing Phil, a husband in a struggling marriage, and Lendall, a boyfriend in a long-term relationship whose girlfriend is eager to marry. Liam executed both roles excellently and took full advantage of his first time playing lead roles, following his role as a background character in the spring play Les Mis: “This time I actually had voice lines.” When reflecting on his performance, he called it “More or less flawless”, having practiced extensively throughout the weeks leading up to the play.
Liam finds managing his nerves to be quite easy, “When I’m on stage, I’m not nervous. When I’m on stage, I get to live in the character I’m playing.” Rather than anxiety that many would often expect to come with large performances. Liam claims he has found solace in theater and acting, citing “School has been a stressor and theater is an outlet.” The stoic confidence of Liam, as well as the other actors, was apparent throughout the show, and audience members agreed that the play was exceptionally performed.
One such audience member, Ford Kearney, had nothing but compliments for the show. He called Almost Maine “Very good. Excellent acting. Considering the circumstances, it was an amazing show.” Ford has a history of both performing in theater and seeing many plays, making his insight on Almost Maine valuable. “I have seen other plays, I have been in other plays and musicals. Considering the time constraint, they had to rush this show, and they still made it great.” Ford’s praise joined the exuberant applause of the crowded, illuminated auditorium, reflecting the hard work of the stage crew, cast, and director, Megan. Cordes.
Almost Maine has proven itself to be another entertaining and well-constructed play that Pennridge Performing Arts has been able to gift to our community, and, if someday they perform it a second time, the auditorium will once again be illuminated by the northern lights of the Maine sky and its seats filled with enthusiastic guests for yet another incredible performance.
