Set in a small “town” of Maine, dubbed “Almost” because the citizens never completely finished making it an official town, Wilton High School’s “Almost Maine” was a huge success. The play followed a variety of vignettes, all with the common thread: Love.  New actors were welcomed to the WHS stage and shone in their roles. Each of the eight scenes were about 20 minutes long, usually between two sweet hearts, a potential couple, or two loves drifting apart.

The vignettes were tied together seamlessly by an amazing and enthusiastic ensemble, who could be seen dancing to upbeat music between scenes, clearing the set pieces, and adding new ones as they went. My favorite had to be “All the Single Ladies”,  which even incorporated Beyoncé’s signature moves.

Directed by Wilton High School’s own Public Speaking teacher, Mr. Slater, the characters were double cast, meaning there  were two actors playing each part. Though I only saw the Friday cast, I’ve heard from multiple sources that Thursday’s night was equally great.

Each story contained quirky characters, relatable plot lines and hilarious moments. I was laughing practically through every scene, and I even teared up at some of the more somber moments, such as in the wordless scene at the end when the girl came back having “circled the world” and sat with the boy on the bench who never doubted her return, even waiting on the bench during intermission.

The actors transformed into their characters, leaving no trace of their individual thoughts or stress apparent. They brilliantly played along with the play’s metaphors, literally falling to mimic “falling in love” in one scene, and carrying a bag of “broken heart” that the character lets her love interest “repair” in another.

The play was truly a delightful performance, full of sweet moments and clever symbolism. I left the theater with the feeling of pure satisfaction you get after watching something beautiful, that makes you think, and something that makes you look differently at the world around you. It wasn’t a play about the “happy love” Hollywood stereotypically feeds out: it was a play about the imperfect, quirky love. Making someone feel for the first time (even if it’s the smack of an ironing board after a sweet kiss), making someone realize their heart could be mended, moving on from a long lost love, and learning how to let down your guard (and at least 6 layers of clothes on stage, with pajamas and a superman suit at the last layer). I would see it again in a heartbeat, and sincerely look forward to the next Wilton High School Production.