Curtain set to rise on Almost, Maine

Almost, Maine is ready for Innisfail.

The theatrical production put on by students at Innisfail High School will present performances on April 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. with an additional matinee performance on April 2 at 1 p.m.

“We have three more weeks of building stages, rehearsals, costumes, props and getting all of the last-minute details together,” said Rob Burton, the school's drama teacher. “The last couple of weeks the kids have been really pulling it together and polishing it up.”

Students are putting in many long hours and hard work into the production, said Burton who noted their dedication to the play's success.

“I've got kids that are sitting in on other people's rehearsals and volunteering their (extra) time. They're really enjoying the process that much and they're all on board,” said Burton, pointing to an example on a recent build day where instead of five or six students, he had close to 20 attend to help paint scenes, build props and stage sets. “They're all full on.”

In addition to rehearsing, learning lines and preparing scenes for the play, Burton said there is one other aspect about the production that students can take with them when it's finished.

“When I do my drama program, I specifically take plays that are not just song and dance-type plays but ones where the kids learn about character, understand their character's objectives and motives,” explained Burton, noting students often become more self aware in the process.

“They become more self aware about their own motives, their own objectives, their own relationships and how they deal with other people and work with other people,” added Burton, noting other areas they learn about include confidence and trust. “It's character growth for my kids.”

The Almost, Maine theatrical production will be presented in the drama room at Innisfail High School on during its April run.

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