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Love became funny, fragile and wonderfully strange in Justice High School’s production of Almost, Maine. Expressive performances, sharp comic timing and a dreamlike design brought warmth and energy to the play’s tales of unexpected romance and heartbreak.

John Cariani’s play unfolds through a series of short love stories in Almost, a tiny community in northern Maine that never quite became an official town. Beneath the aurora borealis, its residents fall in love, lose love and discover feelings that had been waiting all along.

The opening story established the production’s balance of comedy and vulnerability. As Glory, Alexa Salang commanded the stage with clear emotion and purposeful movement. Jacob Wilson countered that energy as East, using restrained humor and deadpan delivery. Their contrasting approaches created an engaging connection as the scene moved between tenderness and laughter.

Abby Leegwater and Joseph Hepperle pushed the comedy further as Marvalyn and Steve. Leegwater made Marvalyn energetic, expressive and slightly chaotic, while Hepperle played Steve as direct, monotone and hilariously blunt. Their natural pacing helped the slapstick land, particularly an onstage strike involving an ironing board and a precisely timed sound effect.

Lucas Phinney also stood out as Dave opposite Rhonda. His strong presence and expressive reactions allowed a glance or carefully placed pause to carry both humor and affection.

Phinney’s scenic design transformed the stage into a glitter-edged, pink snow globe with a fairytale quality. Each vignette appeared to occupy its own small world, echoing the isolating and absorbing experience of love.

Lighting designed by Chlo Bernasconi-Nio followed the characters’ emotional discoveries, shifting into warm tones during tender moments and changing abruptly for dramatic effect. Leaving the house lights on after some scenes also maintained a subtle connection between the audience and the play’s revolving stories.

Emy Fase’s costumes established personalities before the characters spoke. Loose and layered clothing gave more emotional figures a sense of movement, while Glory’s oversized coat suggested her wandering spirit. East’s simple outfit matched his reserved manner, Marvalyn’s cozy clothing suited her frazzled energy, and Steve’s orderly layers reflected his methodical personality.

With strong chemistry, creative technical work and consistently effective delivery, Justice High School captured the peculiar charm of Almost, Maine. The production made room for laughter, reflection and heartache while embracing the beautiful weirdness of human connection.