West Haven High School’s Theatre Workshop will present a different kind of play as their fall show this year: Almost, Maine.

Director Margaret Maher chose the contemporary play this year after meeting the playwright at a workshop five years ago, and the concept of the show was very interesting to her.

“It’s poignant and funny,” she said about the show, which focuses on the lives of multiple couples with various issues in their relationships.

This play is different from shows directed in the past few years, such as Plaza Suite and Dearly Departed, which include more ironic and sometimes off-color humor.

However, this show isn’t predominantly a comedy, and when there is comic relief, it’s eccentric and anecdotal.

Maher was eager to direct it, but needed to wait for the right cast.

Almost Maine is “about life–taking chances, following your dreams, having your heart broken, and finding true love,” Maher said.

She believes this cast does a fine job portraying the realism and exaggerated concepts in the play.

The play appears to affect the actors just as much as the audience. During the first read through, many of the actors were shocked by the appearance of both somber and sweet themes.

“The show is a whirlwind of emotions–happiness, sadness, but especially love–all thrown at you at once,” says junior Dan Gallipoli, who plays Dave, a character who is eager to follow his heart.

Gallipoli will have his hands full as props master in this prop-heavy show, and, as costumer, I’ll have everyone on stage bundled up in parkas and boots.

Show dates are Thursday Nov. 15th and Friday Nov. 16th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for students are $5. Tickets for adults are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.