Theatre / Almost, Maine, by John Cariani, directed by Zac Bridgman. At Belconnen Arts Centre until May 28. Reviewed by ARNE SJOSTEDT.

This was a truly immersive and captivating experience.

While it focuses on romantic love, the play is broad in its scope. Taking on big themes inside little moments, it felt as expansive as the Maine sky at nighttime, when viewed from a potato field, looking up at the stars.

Performed by a small ensemble of four talented actors, the collection of nine short tales provides the vehicle for an evening of performances that should not be missed.

Each wonderfully wrought vignette explores the connection between two people and goes deep into the moment in time they are sharing. Through extremely watchable performances from Alexander Wilson, Wendy Wakwella, Jayde Dowhy and Alastair McKenzie, an evocative soundscape by Rhiley Winnett and Zac Bridgman, and an animated backdrop by Chris Baldock, the Mockingbird Theatre production succeeds in transporting the audience through each storyline.

The kind of show that creates that special feeling only properly good theatre has the capacity to deliver, Zac Bridgman has done a charming, skilful job directing Almost, Maine. So good, in fact, that you forget the hand of the director exists – attention fixed on the stage, absorbed in the visual and emotional feast offered by this simple yet highly effective production.

So beautiful, it felt like something you want to see a second or third time, just to be sure you didn’t miss anything.

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