In the chilly netherlands of northern Maine lies a small town with no real name. The lives, loves, and losses experienced in this close knit community are shared through the Town Players of Newtown production of John Cariani's Almost, Maine.

In a series of eight vignettes, plus one poignant interwoven story line, nine excellent actors play out these various tales to a uniform ending: love hurts, love heals, and love is all you need.

Tales run the gamut of young love, lost love, hard earned love, and surprising love. Actors Jim O'Reilly and Brooke Cassalia set the stage for the following eight couples, each with their own particular issue. Other couples are played by Laurel Lettieri, Joseph Kroposki, Rosemary Howard, Shawn Brown, Tony Benedetti, Rick Haylon and Stephanie Woerdeman.

Each of the romances are interwoven. The townies in this tiny locale are in and out of each other's business constantly, and almost everyone ends up at the Moose Paddy, a local watering hole. The simplicity of their lives is soothing and reflected in the bare bones set. Each character and interaction is made more distinct with this backdrop.

In the hands of these fine actors, laughs and sighs abound. One piece, featuring Mr O'Reilly and Mr Benedetti, is sweet and hilarious at once, with both actors delivering pitch perfect performances. I have seen both before and they continue to improve as they hone their craft.

Laurel Lettieri and Rosemary Howard are frequent players on local stages and they command the stage. They are talented actors who clearly relish their time on stage. This, combined with commitment to their characters, produces extraordinary performances that are consistently fun to watch.

In both of his parts John Koproski plays characters who are befuddled and challenged by the opposite sex. He just does not get it. Perhaps he does not want to. He portrays his bewilderment flawlessly.

Opposite Stephanie Woerdeman as the angry wife, Mr Koproski's character meets his match. Ms Woerdeman is as fine an actor as can be found in any theater.

Shawn Brown is always terrific on stage. In both of his pieces he gives a sincere and authentic performance of a guy just trying to do right by his girl, despite the pushback...and there are some sizable obstacles thrown in his path.

Newcomer Brooke Cassalia is just lovely, and good! She is demure and charming while exuding a gentleness which is engaging and real.

In his small, quiet role, Rick Haylon was convincingly heartbroken.

Director Terry Sagedy has chosen and directed an enchanting theater experience. Almost, Maine has something for everyone.

Would we all go around the world for love? Can we ever get back all the love we have given? When is it time to leave and when should we stay?

All these questions are answered in the most endearing, thoughtful and humorous situations during a delightful evening of theater. Find your story among the people of Almost, Maine.

Performances of the 2016 season finale continue weekends through December 10. Curtain times are 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm for Sunday matinees on November 27 and December 4.

Tickets are $22 for the evening shows, $18 for matinee performances, and may be purchased in advance by visiting the theater's website, newtownplayers.org. Reservations may also be made by calling the box office at 203-270-9144.

The Little Theater is at 18 Orchard Hill Road, just off Main Street South/Route 25.

[mappress mapid="486"]