Almost Perfect

If you weren’t fortunate enough to catch Navasota Theater Alliance’s production of Almost, Maine, you really missed a treat. This play was so cleverly written and delightfully performed that it was reminiscent of NTA’s wonderful production of I Love You-You’re Perfect-Now Change. Oh, wait, maybe they were the same play.  50% of the cast was in both productions, and both offered wry glimpses into different relationships.   No singing in this one, though.

In a change for NTA, which usually produces splendidly crafted sets, this show had a minimalist stage.  (The Phantom is, as is his nature, kind here. There wasn’t a set.  A chair or two, and the occasional bench, does not a set make. Were The Phantom not among the most generous and gentle of observers, he might be motivated to find a wee bit of fault with this aspect of the production. The Phantom’s creative faculties are so finely tuned and his intellect so vast that it actually hurts when he is forced to use his imagination. However, his remarkable compassion and charity are also legendary, and—as astonishing as it may seem to some—perhaps even greater than his renowned wit. So, he will refrain from actually criticizing whatever it was that set him off. Regrettably, this parenthetical observation has now gone on so long that The Phantom would need to revisit the beginning of the paragraph to get back on track, but that seems long ago and far away. Perhaps it would be best to just move on. The Phantom contents himself with the knowledge that only the occasional reader is likely to notice.)

Where were we? Oh, yes: The writing was quirky but sweet, clever and glib but poignant as well. The play was comprised of a series of vignettes all set at precisely the same time in the little town of Almost, Maine. There were only 4 actors and many characters, so it took a small amount of concentration in order to keep things straight. Each of our actors portrayed several characters, and they did not provide the clear delineation of different people that one finds, say, in Tuna, Texas.  Nevertheless, as we have already established, The Phantom’s kindness is unsurpassed, so he won’t grouse about any performer in a community production who fails to distinguish 5 different roles on the same night.

Indeed, our cast consisted of three of the Valley’s most seasoned actors, and they made the show look easy. What The Phantom means here is that the cast was comfortable in character. They had an ease with their words that made their interactions seem more like improv and less like a scripted play. Their repartee was effortless, light and quick. The timing was just right for comedy. Along with the cleverness of the play itself, this is why you missed a treat if you missed this show. The cast made it look easy—but we all know that acting of that sort is anything but easy.

Ginette, Sandrine, Marvalyn, Marci and Rhonda all were played by a familiar face to the BCS stage and we were happy to see her again. Standing upright too! This adorable young lady has the unfortunate habit of slouching and doing crazy, introverted bits of disturbia, but we were pleased with her range in this play. There was evident talent at work. Keep it up, GSMM&R. We look forward to your next performance.

Our other female performer had Glory, the Waitress, Gayle and Hope on her list of characters. GWGH got to wear the most hysterical of costuming choices: The Moose Paddy tee. Salty waitress, indeed. But then she touched our hardened heart with the story of Hope. Clap, clap GWGH. Keep coming back. You are a Phantom Phavorite.

And another Phantom Phav would have to be the East, Steve, Lendall, Chad and a Man. We loved him in I Love You, we thought he was adorable as Horton, his Linus was unforgettable and we hear that he was great in Sideshow too. This actor is the guy you want to be your drinking buddy or your favorite funny uncle. Yeah, he’s that guy. And he was that guy on the NTA stage for this show too. Thank you, ESLCMan. See you at the next family reunion.

Our newbie was Pete, Jimmy, Randy, Phil and Dave. This lad was eighteen? Holy smokes! The Phantom is impressed. This young man was really good for someone his age. He can only improve and we sincerely hope he will use the Valley as his practice stage. Can you sing, PJRPD? Shake up the TTC. Trek on over to StageCenter. They would love to have you. But keep it up, dude. The Phantom gives you a thumbs up and a heartfelt “attaboy.”

Uh, oh. This favorable review is sounding pretty Butleresque. The Phantom does not wish to risk his credibility and he certainly does not want to disappoint his Phans. So before it’s too late, he’ll simply mention that:

Other than that, it was great.

The Phantom