Why You Should Attend 'Almost, Maine'

Audience members at upcoming shows of the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” should pay careful attention to the backstory of each character. Keenan M. Beveridge ’24, who performs in the roles of Lendall and Phil, explained why. The junior theater major described what most surprised him about The University of Scranton Players’ production.

“This play is comprised of vignettes, meaning the scenes are short and seemingly unrelated to one another. I was surprised how much freedom I had as an actor to decide characters’ backstory and personality traits because they don’t have any scripted backstory before the scene starts,” said the junior theater major from Warminster, Pennsylvania.

The romantic comedy by John Cariani and directed by Michael O’Steen, will run October 21-23 and October 28-30 in the Royal Theatre in the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts on the University of Scranton campus. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for senior citizens, students and University of Scranton faculty and staff. Reservations can be made HERE. 

Here, Beveridge offers insight into his characters, his background in theatre and what he loves about The University of Scranton:

Q. Please describe what you love and hate about the characters you portray in “Almost, Maine”.

“My roles include Lendall (Getting It Back) and Phil (Where It Went). I love that Lendall is there to help his significant other even when she is upset with him, but I hate how clueless he is. I love that Phil stands up for himself in a struggling relationship, but I hate how he holds his real feelings in..."

Q. which celebrity would you like to see tackle these characters?

“I would like to see Jim Carrey’s representation of these characters because I believe he would bring another layer of emotion to them while still allowing the comedy of the show to be seen and enjoyed by the audience.”

Q.  How do you spend time during a five-minute break during rehearsal?

“Depending on the day, I’ll either use my five-minute breaks to read over my lines or just to sit, close my eyes, and be in one place.”

Q. When did your involvement with the arts begin? Please explain what inspired your interest in the theatre.

“In fifth grade, my elementary school music teacher told me I had a nice voice. Shortly after we were taken to see a preview of the middle school’s production of “Annie”. Seeing people who I had grown up with breathing life into characters and having that much fun on stage made me fall in love with theater. I was in the school musical the following year and that love only grew.”

Q. What do you enjoy most about performing with The University of Scranton Players?

“I am treated as a professional while still being taught how to improve my performances and my theater etiquette. Overall, I enjoy the balance we have found between professionalism, education, and fun.”

Q. Have you been involved in other theatre productions?

“I have been in at least one show every year since sixth grade. I’ve participated in theater camps as both an actor and a counselor, with technical theater and crew responsibilities. In my time at The University of Scranton I have been in seven productions, including Almost, Maine. The previous productions include “Carrie the Musical,” “LOVE/SICK,” “313 Monroe Variety Hour,” “3 for 1 Acts,” “A Good Farmer,” and “Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook.”

Q. Aside from theatre, what is your favorite aspect of The University of Scranton?

“Simply, the beauty of the campus and the incredible views of Scranton from particular spots on campus.”

'ALMOST, MAINE' OFFERS TALES OF LOVE AND "THE MYSTICAL ENERGY OF AURORA BOREALIS"

The University Players’ statement offers this summary of their upcoming performance:

“Propelled by the mystical energy of the aurora borealis and populated with characters who are humorous, plain-spoken, thoughtful, and sincere, ‘Almost, Maine’ is a series of loosely connected tales about love, each with a compelling couple at its center, each with its own touch of sorcery.”

In addition to Beveridge, the company of "Almost, Maine" features:  Gabriella Palmer of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Kit Karpiak of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Bryanna Grossman of North Brunswick, New Jersey, Thomas Kennedy of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Seth Strouse of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, Faith Montagino of Morganville, New Jersey, Alek Panchik of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Andrew Vizzard of Havertown, Pennsylvania, Molly McGuinness of Stewart Manor, New York and Nicole Tonny of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

This academic theatre program brings performances to Northeastern Pennsylvania every season. The Players’ productions feature University of Scranton students in a mix of classical and contemporary works under the direction and mentorship of award-winning faculty and guest artists.

Interested in attending a performance of ‘Almost, Maine’? Find details below.

The University of Scranton Players will present "Almost, Maine," a romantic comedy by John Cariani and directed by Michael O’Steen, on Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-30. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., Sunday’s shows are at 2 p.m. All performances are in the Royal Theatre in the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts on the University of Scranton campus.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for senior citizens, students and University of Scranton faculty and staff.

Reservations can be made here. Tickets can also be reserved by visiting thescrantonplayers.com or, by calling the University Players box office at 570-941-4318.

Get to know…

Name: Keenan M. Beveridge ’24

Areas of study: theater major with a minor in education

Hometown: Warminster, PA

Interests outside of theatre: Basketball fan, captain of an intramural volleyball team. “I have experience as a bartender and find mixology very interesting, and I enjoy golfing even though I am not good at it.”

Favorite theatre productions, besides "Almost, Maine": “Once,” “Kinky Boots,” “Hamilton,” “In the Heights,” “Waiting for Godot,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”