ALMOST,MAINE

Director's Note

Almost, Maine by John Cariani is a romantic comedy-drama composed of nine vignettes about love, loss, and connection that take place in a remote, mythical town in Maine. On a cold and magical night, characters experience surreal moments, all occurring at the same point in time. They fall into and out of love in hilarious ways, and learn how to navigate new beginnings under the northern lights. The play consists of two acts with four scenes each, and an additional Prologue, Interlogue, and Epilogue—all heavily reliant on dialogue and the connection between actors. 

Putting together this show in a few short weeks was no easy feat, but we had fun and shared many laughs along the way. This incredible group of actors and designers have helped bring together the technical elements and genuine emotion needed to make this show what it is. Through this collaboration and hard work, they have created the magical town of Almost, Maine that you will be transported to tonight. 

We are honored to have you in the audience to help us explore what happens when love is portrayed in surreal ways and metaphorical language becomes literal. We hope that as you watch this show, you can feel the emotion and commitment our actors are putting into their scenes and appreciate the magic that our tech, sets, props, and costume teams have added to the story. Enjoy the show—it’s charming, sincere, and a little bit magical!

Elena McFadden

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Avery Boggs

Waitress

Hello! I’m Avery Boggs, a senior at OPHS, and this is my final show here. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but I couldn’t imagine a better way to end my theater journey than with this incredible production. Being part of 15 shows over the years has been such an honor, and I’m truly going to miss every moment. In this show, I’m playing a waitress for the third time (typecasting, maybe?) and actor Peter Mendoza’s wifeI also want to thank everyone who has helped shape me into who I am today throughout this journey. I’m so grateful for all the support, friendships, and memories I’ve made along the way. As Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” That perfectly captures how I feel right now. Thank you for being here, and I hope you enjoy the show! iI like bacon (yw eli)

Dani Bojorquez

Phil

I’m Dani Bojorquez, a senior, and I can’t believe this is my final high school show, ending my senior year on stage. From my first performance as a freshman in Peter and the Starcatcher to switching to crew and now on stage in Almost, Maine. it’s been a big journey of acting, working backstage stage, and directing. I can’t wait for my next adventure in life.

Quinley Csurics

Steve

Hi, I’m Quinley Csurics. I’m a sophomore and I have the role of Steve. I’m also helping out with sets for this production as well as the cast board.

Nora Farkas

Pete, Marci

Hello! My name is Nora Farkas, I am a Senior, and this is my 11th show at Oak Park. I am so thankful for this theatre program and can’t believe this will be my last show here. I’m really excited to be playing two roles in this show. I want to thank my parents for letting me do theatre. Enjoy the show!

Cade Fouras

Lendall, Dave

Hi everyone! My name is Cade Fouras, I’m a Sophomore, this is my sixth show at OPHS. I’m very excited to be performing in my first full length play as Lendall and Dave. Thank you to all the amazing people who worked to make this show come together in such a short period of time. (A special shoutout to Jade and Skylar for being such great scene mates!) Enjoy the show!

Max Fybel

Glory

Hi! I’m Max Fybel, and I play Glory as well as being the costume lead! This is my 16th and final show at Oak Park High School since I’m a senior, which is honestly insane to me. Theatre/acting has been a very important part of my high school experience, and I’m thrilled to be majoring in it in college. I want to thank all of the parents who graciously volunteer hours of their time to help run this program, all the cast and crew (shoutout Emma, Mason, Shira, and Gabby, A+ costume team) who worked so hard to put this show together, and all my friends and family who have continued to support me throughout all four years, especially the insanity that was college auditions. Enjoy the show! :)

Everly Graves

Sandrine

Everly is so excited to be a part of Oak Park High School’s production of Almost, Maine! Some of her past shows and roles include Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Clarissa in Alice by Heart, and the Genie in Aladdin. She has been singing and dancing since she was in elementary school, and has had a passion for theater ever since. Please enjoy Almost, Maine!

Parker Gray

Deena

Hi, I’m Parker and I play Deena in Almost Maine! This is my 4th show with OPHS theater and my last show for freshman year. As well as being in theater, I also do many other extracurriculars at OPHS such as, comedy sports, ITS, and choir! I love theater so much and have been very passionate about it since birth. I love OPHS theater and enjoy the show!

Skylar Gray

Marvalyn, Rhonda

I’m Skylar and I’m a junior here at OPHS. I am so excited to be playing Marvalyn and Rhonda in Almost, Maine! This is my 8th show at Oak Park. The rehearsal process for this show was speedy and it was definitely hard to memorize lines for TWO characters, but I love the vision our directors, Persy, and Elena, have for this production and it’s been a blast watching it all come together. Enjoy!!!!!

Miley Katz

Ginette

Hi! My name is Miley Katz, I’m a senior, and this is my 14th and final show here at Oak Park High School. I’m so excited to be playing Ginette in this fabulous student-run production, and I want to share my support for the students in charge of it. I’m going to miss this program so incredibly much, and I couldn’t have asked for a better 4 years and start to my journey of higher education at the University of California, Berkeley where I plan to major in Theatre and Performance Studies. I owe all my thanks to the OPHS theatre department for deepening my love for theatre and inspiring me to pursue it in my future.

Cody Lemmon

Jimmy

Hi my name is Cody Lemmon I am in 9th grade. This is my third production here in OPHS. I'm super excited to be part of yet another amazing production this year. Shout out to everyone who works so hard to make this play go nicely. Shout out to my parents for helping me get this far. I hope you guys have a wonderful time watching our performance in Almost, Maine.

Peter Mendoza

Daniel

Peter, a senior, is playing Daniel in his fourteenth and final Oak Park High School production. He has served as the Activities Director for International Thespian Society Troupe 6074 for two years. At OPHS, Peter has participated in Peter and the Starcatcher (Hawking Clam), The Addams Family (Gambler Ancestor), A Lighter Shade of Noir (Mario), Radium Girls (Dr. Harrison Martland), The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Bull), Little Fools Fall in Love (1st Annual Madrigal Dinner), Something Rotten, Something Wicked This Way Comes (Voice of Ray Bradbury), Puffs (Ernie Mac), Our Place (Jonathan), A Christmas Fruitcake (And Other Weighty Matters) (2nd Annual Madrigal Dinner), Mean Girls (Glen Coco), The Outsiders (Set Team), Alice By Heart (Dr. Butridge/Jabberwock/King of Hearts), The Twelve Days of Christmas (3rd Annual Madrigal Dinner), and The Little Mermaid (King Triton). Peter discovered his passion for acting in third grade and has performed in several productions with Bell Canyon Broadway. In addition to theatre, he is in his fifth year of Band, where he plays in Wind Ensemble (First Chair Alto Sax) and Jazz Band (Flute). As he completes his final production, Peter will miss this wonderful theatre community. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their love and support.

Sophia Russo

Shelly

Hi, my name is Sophia Russo and I am in 9th grade. This is my first spotlight production and it has been a great experience. It’s really awesome to work on a show that is completely student driven for more than 24 hours. Alongside theater, I also perform in choir and Comedy Sportz. Everyone has put so much hard work into this play and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Oliver Ventura

East

Hello, my name is Oliver Ventura and I am in my junior year. I am playing the role of East and this is my 5th show at Oak Park. I am also in Comedy Sportz, choir, and wind ensemble. I love music and acting so much, it has always been a very big part of my life since I was young. I am very excited to be a part of this production and I’m really grateful for all of the amazing people I get to work with this year!

Paige Walker

Hope

Hi, my name is Paige Walker and I play the role of Hope. I’m in 11th grade and this is my 12th show here at OPHS. It has been so much fun to get to work with my amazing castmates and our fabulous crew! Everyone has put so much effort into this production and it really shows. This is a bitter-sweet show for me because it is my last production with some of my best friends who I started this program with, but that also makes it even more special. I hope you enjoy our production of Almost, Maine!

Jade Wolff

Gayle

Hello! My name is Jade Wolff and I’m a junior. This is my 12th show at OPHS, and I am so excited to portray this character! Showcasing Gayle’s depth onstage is both challenging and infinitely rewarding. I am in theatre and Comedy Sportz, which basically means that I love storytelling through a stage every chance I get. I adore this show, as well as all of the amazing people who made it possible. I hope you enjoy Almost, Maine as much as we do!

Elena McFadden

DIRECTOR

Elena is a senior and this is her sixteenth (and final) show at OPHS! During her time in the Oak Park High School theatre department, she has played many roles, including a British detective, a lawyer, a cool mom, an undead butler, and even a seagull. Elena has also worked behind the scenes on sets, costumes and PR. She is absolutely thrilled to be culminating her high school theatre career as director of Almost, Maine! She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for putting in so much hard work over these last few weeks. And a special thank you to Persy for being the best assistant director, and to Mrs. Schneider, Ed Park, and the parent volunteers for their support of this production. She hopes that the audience enjoys this fun, charming, and slightly whimsical play!

Persephone Ferry

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Hi! My name is Persephone Ferry and this is my 14th and final show at OPHS. I am so thrilled to be working alongside Elena as the assistant director of this production!! Everyone has been working very hard for the past few weeks and I couldn’t be more proud. Enjoy!!

Arin Rifkin

STAGE MANAGER

Hi! My name is Arin Rifkin, I am a senior and the Stage Manager. I have felt so grateful for the opportunity to step into this role. This will be my 15th and final production here at Oak Park. It has been such a pleasure to work alongside so many driven and passionate students over the last four years. I also am so extremely appreciative of our student-directors who have given their heart and dedication to this production. I want to thank the members of the cast & crew for the hours put in and the memories they’ve given me. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.

Charlotte Berri

Prop Team & Front of House

Hi, my name is Charlotte Berri and I’m a Freshman. Almost, Maine is my third production here at Oak Park and I’m so thankful to be a part of this skilled production team! My favorite show I’ve been in is The Addams Family as Alice Bieneke. I’m interested in architecture, music, art, and of course musical theater! We have all been so excited for this show since the beginning of the rehearsal process. Thank you to all of my loved ones coming to see the show! Enjoy!

Naduni Chandrasena

Set Design Lead & Running Crew Co-Lead

Hi! My name is Naduni Chandrasena, and I’m a senior at OPHS. This is my 4th production at OPHS, I’m so excited to be the Set Lead for our final show! Outside of theatre, I love playing sports, listening to music, and spending time with my friends. I’d like to thank my family, friends, crew members, our amazing Directors and, especially, my best friend Margaux for always supporting me. I am forever grateful. Congratulations to all my fellow Seniors and hope you all enjoy the show!

Emma Creviston

Costume Team & PR

Hi! I’m Emma and I am on the costume team for this show! This is my 6th production overall and I am so proud of our student directors and all the hard work everyone put into this show! I hope you enjoy our shows and wonderful costumes!!!

Shira Drach

Costume Team

Hi! My name is Shira Drach. I’m in 9th grade and I’m on the costume team. This is my 3rd show at this school and my first time on a design team. I have learned so many new things from this experience and I am so excited to learn more.

Lucas Dunlop

Tech Team

Hi! I’m Lucas, and this is my fourth show at Oak Park. I’m excited to be a part of the tech crew for my very first show on a design team. I’d like to thank our lovely stage manager Arin Rifkin & our tech lead Kylie Vo for providing so much support, and Sophia S for working with me. Enjoy the show!

Paxton Ferry

Set Team & Running Crew

Max Fybel

Costume Design Lead

Hi! I’m Max Fybel, and I play Glory as well as being the costume lead! This is my 16th and final show at Oak Park High School since I’m a senior, which is honestly insane to me. Theatre/acting has been a very important part of my high school experience, and I’m thrilled to be majoring in it in college. I want to thank all of the parents who graciously volunteer hours of their time to help run this program, all the cast and crew (shoutout Emma, Mason, Shira, and Gabby, A+ costume team) who worked so hard to put this show together, and all my friends and family who have continued to support me throughout all four years, especially the insanity that was college auditions. Enjoy the show! :)

Mason Galaz

Costume Team

Hi! My name is Mason and this is my 3rd show at Oak Park HIgh School! I’m a part of Theater Performance class here and I enjoy doing it. I love fishing and eating the fish I catch. I also like to thank everyone in this program for being really kind to me.

Kaia Ghalimi

Prop Team & Front of House

Eli Kingston

Tech Team

Good evening! I’m Eli Kingston, and I’m helping with the spotlights for this show. I’m in 11th grade and this is my 9th show at Oak Park High, and 11th school show overall! I hope you have fun! I also love soda.

Margaux Raymond

Prop Design Lead & Running Crew Co-Lead

Margaux Raymond is a Senior at Oak Park High School. This is her 16th and final show at Oak Park High School. This is her 10th show as Prop Lead and Running Crew lead! This production has been so much fun. Enjoy the show!!

Gabby Salter

Hair & Make Up Design Lead

Hi, my name is Gabby, I’m a senior and this is my 13th show here at OPHS. This production has been a lot of fun being a part of. I can’t believe that this is my final show here at OPHS, but I plan on continuing theater in college. I’m so excited for what’s to come but I’m also a bit sad to be leaving high school behind. I made a lot of memories throughout my time here and it has been really fun. Enjoy the Show!

Sophia Salter

Tech Team

Hi, my name is Sophia and I am a freshman. This is my fourth show here at OPHS and I am a part of the tech team. I have really enjoyed getting to be a part of this show and a part of theatre this school year. I can’t wait to see what future years will bring. I hope everyone enjoys our production of Almost, Maine!

Emma Stone

Prop Team & Running Crew

Hi! My name is Emma Stone and I’m in 9th grade. This is my third production at OPHS and it’s all gone by so fast! I’m so happy to be involved in such a special and talented theater community and play. I’d like to shoutout all the seniors who have worked so hard and will be leaving this year! Despite being new as a freshman, I’ll miss them a lot. :[ Thank you all and please enjoy the show!

Makenzie Sustin

Set Team & Running Crew

Hi, my name is Makenzie Sustin and I’m a junior here at OPHS. This is my fifth show I’ve done through this community and second show on crew! I’m so excited to show you our spotlight show Almost, Maine because we worked so hard in such a short amount of time and it has been so fun to build the sets and paint the cool backdrops. Thank you to my friends and family for coming to support me and I hope you enjoy the show.

Kylie Vo

Tech Design Lead

Hi my name is Kylie Vo, I am a junior at Oak Park High School. Almost, Maine is my 11th show on crew, and my 2nd show as tech lead. I love working in this theater, and all its technical design, I hope everyone enjoys this year's Spotlight Show.

Peyton Watnick

Front of House Manager

Hello! My name is Peyton Watnick and I am the House Manager for this production. This is my 9th show in this amazing program, and my 3rd one on crew. I am a junior and i love musical theater a lot and am really happy to get to experience a whole new area of work for it. Thank you to our wonderful student directors for giving me this opportunity!

Gal Yelinek

Set Team & Tech Team

Hi my name is Gal Yelinek, I am a junior at OPHS and this is my 12th show here - also my second show on crew. I've already learned many things while being part of the sets team and tech team too. I enjoy getting to do what I can to get the show running smoothly and well and I hope that my next year will only increase the amount I get to learn. I hope to learn more from each design team I join and try out. I can't wait to start working with the spots for the second time in my theater career. I'm grateful for the experiences and opportunities I have received from this program and the people involved in it, each one with such a passion for what they do and what they desire to do.

Ellyn Schneider

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Congratulations to the creative team, cast and designers on a fabulous production of 'Almost, Maine'. Your dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism and love for the arts continues to amaze and inspire me. It has been an honor to work with you all this year and to watch you grow as actors, costumers, designers, technicians, directors and producers. So, so, proud of you! Break a leg!

Evan Schneider

PRODUCTION DESIGN SUPERVISOR

This is Evan’s 22nd show at Oak Park High School and his 25th overall. He is an alumni of Oak Park HS ('18) and a graduate of History and Film at the University of California, Los Angeles. In addition to supervising the theatre design teams, Evan is working as a Guest Teacher for all the exceptional schools in the Oak Park Unified School District. He wants to congratulate all the students on their hard work and dedication in putting on such a great show!

Zachary Borquez

TECH CONSULTANT

Bravo to all of you students on YOUR production of ALMOST, MAINE. Your energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and ingenuity is unparalleled and inspiring. Enjoy your well deserved kudos! It has truly been a pleasure watching your progression throughout the productions this year. Best of luck in all your future endeavors and job well done!

Edward Park

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Mr. Park joined OPHS Theatre as a parent volunteer in 2017 when his son was a student in the program. He was able to utilize his background in biochemistry and biotech/pharma/healthcare to naturally transition into serving on the OPPAA Board where he has been a member for 8 years, supporting 28 performances. Mr. Park is extremely proud of the theatre troupe for directing, designing and producing the entire show on their own! He would also like to thank the OPPAA Board for their unwavering support and congratulate the graduating seniors on their finale!

Thespian Troupe #6074

PRODUCER

ITS TROUPE # 6074 "Act well your part; there all the honor lies." ​The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an internationally recognized honor society for theatre students that promotes and recognizes student excellence in the theatre arts. There are ITS Troupes at high schools and middle schools across the United States and abroad. Students earn membership by participating in productions and accumulating points based on their theatre work. For more information visit schooltheatre.org. Formed in Fall of 2014, our troupe started with just a few enthusiastic theatre kids who had been involved in productions at Oak Park High School. They wanted to expand their theatre experiences and bring more visibility to the community. With the guidance of a couple of dedicated theatre moms, these students chartered Troupe 6074 of The International Thespian Society. As a troupe we aim to raise awareness for the importance of theatre arts and education through philanthropy, promotion, and being a positive community influence. We incorporate unique individualistic qualities to form a unified group that stands for cooperation, compassion, creativity and communication through theatre.

Bueno Boy

Mascot

His origin story is a mix of mystery and OPHS theatre lore, but Bueno always seems to be there when you need him most.

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