Plays opens Friday

at the Playhouse

COEUR d'ALENE - A mix of community actors and professionals donating their time was almost a perfect match for Anne Mitchell.

The director of "Almost, Maine" that opens tonight at the Lake City Playhouse had high praise for her cast as they ran through final rehearsals this week.

The amateurs, some with their first speaking role, raised their game for this production, she said.

"They have followed the standard of the professional actor because they're having this opportunity to work hand in hand with them," Mitchell said. "It's been a dream cast. They've been so focused."

The romantic comedy written by John Cariani tells the story of a cold, winter night in the town of Almost, Maine. It is described this way: "As the northern lights hover in the sky, residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways."

Mitchell, who once lived in Maine, understands the mentality of "Maineiacs," and loves it.

"It's a romantic comedy in its truest form," she said. "If you love the genius of romantic comedy, this is it."

George Green, artistic director of the Lake City Playhouse, said the main theme is simple: Love.

"I know that sounds plain and simple, but it really is about love," he said. "All kinds. Falling in and falling out of love. Finding Love, forgetting love. Imagine the film ‘Love Actually'

on stage and you are pretty close to ‘Almost, Maine.'"

Audiences, even men, should like it.

"It sounds like a chick flick but there are many moments that men will enjoy," Green said. "Watching the eight performers playing various roles is extremely entertaining."

"Almost, Maine" is the story of couples who find each other, of couples who are breaking up. Like "Love Actually," there are eight actors in nine individual stories inside the play, with some cast members playing two or three characters.

"I think it is relateable to everyone. Everyone has something in this production they can find and experience," Mitchell said.

Mitchell, who moved here five years ago, directed "Steel Magnolias" in 2007, directed "Peter Pan" later and has performed in several shows. She considers herself a "method-trained actor," who works with her cast to use their personal experiences on stage. A challenge is for the cast to know why they are doing something within a particular role.

"What they can use to relate to these characters so they become real people for the audience?" Mitchell said.

Mitchell said while "Almost, Maine" is relatively new, if people give it a chance, they'll enjoy it.

Audiences will both laugh and cry.

"It will just be one of those fun nights of theater," she said.

Mitchell said she often asks people two questions when it comes to theater here. One, have they seen a show at the Playhouse? And two, have they seen a show at the Playhouse this season?

She credited Green with improving the quality of productions since his arrival. The changes are evident from the time you walk in the door and take your seat to when the lights hit the stage.

"I'm hoping the community will come out and see what a difference George has made here," she said.

Green does too. He said "Almost Maine" is a well-written script.

"There is pretty much a love moment at some point in the play that nearly any audience member can relate to," he said.