11/13/12 jb/jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- In the mythical town of Almost, Maine, the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.

The Department of Music and Theatre at Fort Hays State University presents John Cariani's "Almost, Maine" from Thursday, Nov. 15, through Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, in Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall.

Set on a cold, clear moonless Friday night in the middle of winter, "Almost, Maine" has eight scenes of the ups and downs of love lives.

"Prologue": Ginette, played by Sarah Werling, Solomon sophomore, and Pete, played by Ryan Ross, Highlands Ranch, Colo., freshman, sit on a park bench daring to admit they love each other.

"Her Heart" stars Glory, played by Lydia Fuqua, Jetmore senior, who travels to Maine to see the northern lights. Clutching a brown paper bag, symbolizing her heart, she meets East, Timothy Tarkelly, Chanute junior, who happens to keep ending up with the bag.

"Sad and Glad" stars Sandrine, Breanna Bezona, Manter freshman, who disappeared one night without explanation when she bumped into her ex, Jimmy, played by Cade Sullivan, Salina freshman. In their reunion she confesses that she's about to be married. Their waitress, played by Sarah Werling, Solomon sophomore, reminds him of the Friday night special but Jimmy doesn't take her up on the offer.

"This Hurts" stars Marvalyn, played by Samie Pfeifer, Hays junior, and Steve, played by Gabe Bristow, Golden, Colo., sophomore, as they discuss whether bleeding and bruising are the only forms of hurt, whether love can hurt, whether Marvalyn is in love, and whether Steve will ever be in love. An unexpected kiss puts all these questions to the test.

"Getting It Back" stars Gayle, played by Hannah Keil, Hays freshman, and Lendall, played by Daniel Hill, Kensington sophomore, as they learn that love demands commitment and work.

"They Fell" stars Randy, played by Tyler Wayman, McLouth freshman, and Chad, Collin Wilson, Ulysses freshman, as they explore how love requires friendship and knows no boundaries.

"Where It Went" stars Marci, played by Jera Gales, Coldwater freshman, and Phil, played by Perell Stanley, Norton sophomore, as they learn that untended love dies.

"The Story of Hope" stars, Hope, played by Amy Smarsh, Colwich freshman, and Man, played by Ethan Merrill, Sterling, Colo., junior, as they look at how love creates a void when not acted upon.

"Seeing the Thing" stars Rhonda, played by Lexi Weese, Abilene junior, and Dave, played by Phillip Hartman, Pratt sophomore, as they explore how love strips people bare to the soul.