Almost Ready for "Almost, Maine"?

Look at your calendar, and see which of these dates will work for you:

Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 1 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 2 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 PM

Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 9 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 10 at 8:00 PM

Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 PM
Friday, May 16 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 17 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 PM

These are your 11 opportunities to see the Triad premiere of "Almost, Maine" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre.

In its second season, the OSC Theatre offers a completely unique play-viewing experience. Located at 4609 W. Market Street in Greensboro, you could ride by every day without noticing it. But once I found it, I fell in love and have been back to see every show since. I've thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated every experience I've had at the OSC Theatre, and I'm constantly recommending that others give this theatre a shot. I highly recommend that you consider setting aside a day to visit the OSC Theatre too--I don't think you'll be disappointed, and you might become as big a fan as I've become.

Expect intimacy. At the top of this link, you'll get a slight sense of what to expect. But those photos only begin to capture the atmosphere that's been created for your enjoyment. Small tables are set up throughout the theatre, and as you're seated, your hosts will come around and light candles at each table. Playbills adorn the walls, with the OSC Theatre's own posters being added to the collection. Back at the entrance, you can purchase yummy desserts and drinks to take back to your table and enjoy. As mentioned, it's a very different experience.

Once the plays begin, you're likely to fall in love with the performers. On the stage, they're up-close-and-personal, and in some instances, they even come out into the audience. Come to enough shows, and you'll see some of them again, taking on new roles, sometimes dramatically different ones from their previous roles. During intermissions, you have another chance to purchase some refreshments, and on one recent visit, an actor from a previous show was serving up cake and other treats. You'll feel as if you've entered someone's home and are being welcomed into an extended family.

This is the description for the current offering, "Almost, Maine":

"The Triad premeire of a new romantic comedy. The citizens of the little, remote town of Almost find through trial and error that the warmth of love can melt the cold snows of Maine . . . sometimes. 4 actors/ 18 characters. Funny, clever, full of laughs and ahh's!"

Again, these are the steps I'd suggest taking:

1. Select one of those dates I mentioned earlier.

2. Call the box office at 336-292-2285. You'll probably get voice mail, but just leave your name and phone number and indicate which day you'd like to attend and how many tickets you want. The OSC Theatre staff members are great about getting back in touch.

3. If you choose to attend between April 30 and May 3, be sure to say "W-1", and you'll receive $5.00 off the normal price of $20.00. (That $15.00-$20.00 investment has always gotten me my money's worth, and I'm hoping you'll be equally satisfied.)

4. For all the other dates, the cost is $20.00. Tickets are only $17.00 for senior citizens and college students. Children who are 17 years old and younger can get tickets for $10.00. Students can also get $10.00 tickets a half hour before performances, if tickets are still available.

5. Invite your friends, family members, and co-workers. If you get together 8 or more people, everyone will save $2.00 off their ticket prices. (I don't think this applies for the already-discounted $15.00 tickets.)

6. Determine a place to meet and enjoy dinner before the play. I'd suggest getting together between 5:30-6:00 PM at a close-by restaurant. (My parties have gotten together at Elizabeth's Pizza a few times. Bert's Seafood Grille is also a good option (right across the street from the OSC Theatre--if you're careful, you can just walk across the street instead of getting back in your car), not to mention countless others in the area.)

7. Plan to get to the theatre between 7:30-7:45 PM, particularly your first time.

8. Enjoy!

9. Let me know how your experience goes.

10. Assuming that you had a great time, make plans to attend the next show.

From the Open Space Cafe Theatre's website:

About the OSC Theatre

Group Sales and Rentals

Photo Gallery (scroll down to see photos from a couple of the theatre's previous productions)

Directions (If you have time and are in the area before you're scheduled to attend, seek out the theatre ahead of time so that you're not stressing to find it the day of the performance.)

Auditions