Students rehearse Almost Maine at Nease High School. The drama is on stage Feb. 5-8 in the school’s auditorium,10550 Ray Road, from U.S. 1 North. Photos by Renee Unsworth
From Nease High School
Those looking for a perfect gift or a perfect pre-Valentine’s day date night will fall in love with the Allen D. Nease High School production, Almost, Maine by John Cariani, on stage Feb. 5-8 at the Nease Performing Arts Center.
Featuring a cast of 19 student performers, Almost, Maine explores a multi-faceted view of modern love.
“The show focuses on love: how it finds us and how we cope with it,†said director Maria Helfrich.
“From the new budding romance to the familiar relationship to those questioning what love is and how to make it work, Almost, Maine speaks a different language to each of its viewers.â€
This is the 3rd production at Nease directed by Helfrich, who is frequently involved in Limelight Theatre productions and is a Flagler College graduate.
“The show isn’t about love and happy endings, it’s about love in the real world.†Helfrich said.
The cast and crew have embraced the critically-acclaimed Almost, Maine, set in the fantasy town of Almost, which features 10 short romantic scenes filled with love, anger, sadness, joy and, of course, humor.
“It’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s sad†said senior cast member Madeline Tatro, who plays Gayle in the production.
“You will be crying one minute and laughing in your seat the next,†she added.
“Love is a universal language,†said McKenna Nelson, cast member and co-president of the Nease International Thespian Society.
“Valentine’s Day is about romance and heartbreak, flowers and chocolate, an evening with your true love or your best friend. Almost, Maine lends itself to the celebration and the conversation. I can’t think of a better date.â€
The show begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 5-7, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 8. Reserved seats are available for $15. Tickets are $10 at the door. For a catered Dinner and Show Package for $20 per person, contact Director Maria Helfrich at Nease High School at 904-547-8300.
 Cast List
Ginette………………………..Erin Anderson
Pete……………………………..Jared Frisch
Glory…………………………….Gaby Greenwald
East………………………………David Fuller
Jimmy……………………………Clay Gardner
Sadrine………………………….Alexandra Blackwell
Villian…………………………….Raquel Martin
Marvalyn……………………….Suzanna Neal
Steve………………………………Lucas Sanders
Lendall……………………………Keschon Moore
Gayle………………………………Maddie Tatro
Randy………………………………Easton Mirabel
Chad…………………………………Jason Mayfield
Phil……………………………………Zach Anastasiadis
Marci…………………………………Hannah Shaffer
Daniel…………………………………Marco Mosqueda
Hope/Suzette………………………Mckenna Nelson
Rhonda………………………………..Shannon Holder
Dave…………………………………….Juan Estrella
