The Olympic Heights’ theater department did a magnificent job at conveying the sentimental and touching stories of the romantic comedy Almost, Maine.

The production took place in the town Almost in the state of Maine. It included ten short stories of different couples and friends during the winter season. Interestingly, all of these stories took place at the same time at the same location. 

The stories weren’t just made as quick love scenes; instead, they included symbolism and depth that left the audience pondering. An example is when a girl named Hope and her boyfriend break up. The break-up leaves him so distraught that he shrinks in size and says he has “lost hope.” This can be taken both literally and figuratively because of the symbolism of her name. 

Going behind the scenes, we have Rio Klein, who played in two scenes of this show. When asked about her experience being in the show, Rio answered, “It was an amazing experience and it was so fun being able to work towards a great show with all my friends.”

The theatrical piece is advertised as “under the mystical aurora borealis, people experience the life-altering power of the human heart in the town of Almost. Through a series of playful and surreal experiences that take place at the same moment in time, relationships end, begin, or change in a heartbeat, as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers.”

Director Ms. Kimberly Coyle was extremely impressed by the turnout of this show, stating, “My hope in directing this piece was for our students to grow as artists while bravely becoming the strong young adults you’ll see today. Similar to the people of Almost, they too, are at a crossroads in life: what university to attend, what path to follow, who to fall in love with. At times we may feel lost in these decisions, but just as in the themes of this production, endings can give way to adventurous beginnings and there is even magic in the mundane.”

The show was especially important to those who went through the pandemic as freshmen at Olympic Heights since it was scheduled to be performed in 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic. 

Piper Fine, a sophomore who was involved in Almost, Maine, shares her experience: “This show has meant so much to me. It was my first time having a role in a show at OH. It brought me closer with so many people, especially seniors who are leaving, so I’m really happy I got the chance to get to know them on a deeper level. So many incredible memories were made during this show and I’m so happy I got to be a part of it.”

In addition to a successful performance, this past weekend, on December 2nd, the talented International Thespian Honor Society won multiple awards at the District X Thespian Competition. In the duet acting category, Almost, Maine lines were performed by Savannah Ross and Vaughn Olsen as well as Nick Gast and Jack Colby; both won the coveted “superior awards.”

The theater department will next produce The Addams Family, which also won multiple awards including “Critics’ Choice” for its wonderfully performed songs and costume designs by student Tyler Arjoon at the District X Thespian Competition. This production will begin showings from February 9th-12th.