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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW (No heading) ... Opponents appeal Costco's Central Point plan ... Medford police arrest purse snatching suspects ... (No heading) ... Opponents appeal Costco's Central Point plan ... Medford police arrest purse snatching suspects ... THEATER Next Stage Repertory presents 'Almost, Maine' Comment By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 5, 2016 at 9:00 AM By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 5, 2016 at 9:00 AM » Social News On cold, clear nights in the north, the phenomenon known as aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a natural light display that occurs when Earth's magnetosphere is disturbed by charged electrons pushed by solar wind. As atoms become ionized and excited in the upper atmosphere, they emit light of varying color and complexity. "Playwright John Cariani uses this extraordinary occurrence to symbolize magical moments when people meet or realize that they are in love in 'Almost, Maine,' " says Doug Warner, artistic director of Next Stage Repertory Company. "The northern lights are central to each of the nine comedic vignettes in the play. It is the metaphor that ties the stories together." Each of the vignettes — set in the allegorical town of Almost, Maine — offers a take on a love story. One, starring local actors Adam Cuppy and Max Gutfreund, is about two working-class guys sharing cans of beer and comparing their worst dates. Called "They Fell," the simple, hysterical twist comes the moment they realize that each is who the other would want to date. Another, "Getting It Back," is about Gayle, a woman (Presila Quinby) who is fed up with her relationship with Lendall (Eric Hagerman), a romance seemingly going nowhere. She arrives at his door carrying large bags, saying she has returned all of the love he has given her — and in return she demands the love she has given him. When he hands her a tiny bag, she is in disbelief until she finds an engagement ring inside. Next Stage's production of "Almost, Maine" — an ensemble piece with five actors in multiple roles — will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 7-8, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Craterian Theater, 23 S. Central Ave., Medford. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online at craterian.org , at the box office, 16 S. Bartlett St., or by calling 541-779-3000. Jade Chavis Watt rounds out the ensemble. "Cariani's play is about normally grounded, ordinary people who become magically attracted to each other," Warner says. "It's romantic comedy with a lot of heart. It's a good match for Next Stage because it contains great stories to be told. We're not looking for big, complicated productions with fabulous costumes and such. We're looking for good comedy, good drama, something the actors can sink their teeth into. "The characters are a variety of everyday people in different situations," he says. "The comedy comes out of those situations. I like it because some of the scenes are more dramatic than they are comedic. All of the themes are founded in drama, and that makes the comedy subtle, believable and interesting." Nights are long in northern Maine, delivering many opportunities to view polar lights. Lighting designer Brad Nelson is a wizard when it comes to illuminating a show, Warner says. Nelson will use a cyclorama — a curved wall or drop at the back of a stage — to create the illusion of aurora borealis in the background. "He can literally show us shooting stars in the aurora borealis, along with different color variations," Warner says. "There will literally be a light show throughout the entire production." "Almost, Maine" and its lighting requirements are the perfect show for the Craterian Theater, he says. "We don't have a gigantic crew of people putting shows together, so we look for material that is a good match for our resources. We're not about set-building, but we are about taking advantage of the sound and light capabilities at the theater. "Over the years, the Craterian has kept its technical resources upgraded," Warner says. "It's one of the amazing things about the venue. There also is an incredible sound system run by Shawn Insall. "These guys really know what they're doing," he says. "They do show after show that comes through town. Some are touring Broadway shows and demand good lighting and sound effects. That's what has evolved over the years at the Craterian." By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 5, 2016 at 9:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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