The university theatre program prepares to present “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani to bring love and romance to the stage to end the fall theatre season.

The play will be directed by Technical Director Benjamin Norman and be shown in the Vonnie Borden Theatre from Nov. 13-16.

“The play will be very different with the stage having a different configuration,” said Norman. “With the audience being on both sides of the actors, this will give the audience a different view of the actors, and they will get to see the play from a different angle. It’s going to be very different and a very cool type of stage.”

In “Almost, Maine,” multiple characters either fall in or out of love in one night in a fictional town in Maine.

Norman talked about the play’s plot.

“One night, magic happens, and a lot of characters fall in and out of love,” said Norman. “The play isn’t your normal love story like all other plays and movies are. Characters will fall in and out of love in the play. Some hearts will be broken, and knees will be bruised throughout the play, but those things mend, and love can certainly happen at the end of the day. The love stories and how they end up is what we talk about during the play.”

Norman hopes that every show will sell out.

“I want more people to come than they do in the football games,” said Norman.

The cast and crew began practicing on July 14 and started rehearsals on Oct. 7.

Hayden Kimball, an actor in “Almost, Maine,” shared his thoughts on the play.

“I think there’s something for everyone in the play,” said Kimball. “Anybody who has struggled with the ups and downs that come with love will appreciate the show.”

Kimball discussed how “Almost, Maine” differs from other plays.

“It’s different in terms of structure,” said Kimball. “The way that this show is performed is in the style of a bunch of scenes that focuses on different people and romantic situations. It adds a sort of novelty to the experience. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’s sure to have you curious to see what happens to the people.”

DeJuan James, a sophomore elementary education major, will perform in the roles of Pete and Daniel. James shared what attendees can expect from the show.

“It’s going to be a show that really tugs at the heartstrings,” said James. “It’s a very realistic show that’s full of coincidences, but they’re structured beautifully. There’s a certain touch that makes the show work.”

James talked about the dynamic of the cast in “Almost, Maine.”

“This is actually the directorial debut of Ben Norman, director of ‘Almost, Maine,’” said James. “As for the cast, most of us are fairly young, but we all have different experience in the arts from acting, singing, dancing or design. It’s really fun to interact with such differing personalities.”

Students can get in for free with the presentation of university ID. The general admission fee is $15.