Students show superb acting in production

Filled with young romance, witty humor, and a reality check from the downfalls of love, "Almost, Maine" opened on this weekend at Cal State Long Beach's Players Theater.

The play is a collection of short vignettes that tell nine different stories of that magic moment when you realize you're falling in love, losing a love or finding love for the first time. 

The truth is that love comes in all forms, shapes and sizes, and viewers can literally see it in this play. Aside from the strange and humorous fantasy elements of "Almost, Maine," the play is closely rooted in reality because audience members can relate to each character and love story, according to director Jeff Paul. 

The unusual set of characters is played by six actors — three men and three women — who each play at least three different roles. Each story is about 15 to 20 minutes long, and has its own set of characters who do not appear in any other scene. The diversity in their acting capabilities allow them to perform so well without the use of extravagent costumes or make-up tricks. Each love story takes place at the same time, Friday night at 9 p.m., which is why viewers will never see the same character in multiple scenes. 

Opening the play with a short prologue was Pete (Scotty Tran), the nervously shy guy who knows he's in love but is too afraid to admit it. Right from the start, Tran has the audience laughing without even saying one word. Accompanied by the forward and eager Ginette (Cassandra Babcock), Tran sits anxiously waiting and hoping she will make the first move or at least say the first word.

After causing a boast of laughter, Tran is also able to show his serious side in another scene when he plays Phil, the out-of-love irritated husband who forgot his anniversary. When viewing Tran's change in demeanour, facial expressions and vocal ability, the audience easily forgets that Pete and Phil are played by the same person.

Tran also plays a third character, Lendall, whose long-time girlfriend (Jenna Skeva) of 11 years asks for her love back, literally. Skeva has the audience cracking up when she grabs Lendall's love — in the form of large red Santa-like bags — out of the car and starts throwing it all over the stage.

It is interesting to see how Skeva is able to portray the hysterical girlfriend, who is giving up on love, then see her in another scene as Sandrine, the sexy confident woman who is admired by her ex-boyfriend (Faisal Salah).

The real transformation for Skeva is in her final scene where she plays Rhonda, the butch mill worker who has never been kissed by a man. After hearing her deep voice, seeing her punch her buddy (Colin Horan) and understanding her confusion on the topic of love, one would never believe she could be an attractive woman in a dress. 

With a diverse set of realistic characters, and the magical realities of love, "Almost, Maine" runs through Nov. 5. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. is in the Players Theatre at CSULB. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors and students (with valid ID). For tickets and information, visit csulb.edu/depts/theatre.

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