The University of Wisconsin Whitewater’s student organization, Theta Alpha Phi, will be performing a staged reading of John Cariani’s play “Almost, Maine” on December 15th at 2pm. The performance will take place at the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street. The show is free and open to the public.

The award-winning, two-act play is made up of nine short stories that occur in the fictional town of Almost, Maine. When talking about the contemporary subject matter, Theta Alpha Phi’s president, Nathan Broege, states “John Cariani was able to use abstract techniques to communicate effectively about falling in and falling out of love. For example, in one scene the character literally carries her heart in a paper bag”. When asked why people will enjoy the show he says “It’s a very thematic play as far as the season goes. It’s about Maine in the wintertime” to which fellow member, Andrew Patterson, laughs “you’ll feel at home”. The interactive, feel-good play creates an intimate environment that lets the audience leave with a sense of contentment.

Although the performance is a free event, donations to Theta Alpha Phi are welcomed. Broege and Patterson describe their group as “a student organization based on forwarding theatrical achievement” and focus on growing the social and professional aspects of actors through going to alumni productions, doing outreach programs at local high-schools, and offering workshops, not only to theater majors but to the university community as a whole.

“Almost, Maine” has a two and a half-hour run-time and will have an intermission. Doors open at 1:30 and the performance begins at 2:00 pm. The Cultural Arts Center is located on 402 West Main Street in the historic White building near the Birge Fountain. Parking is behind the building. An elevator is available for access from the parking lot entrance.

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