This year’s fall production, Almost, Maine, is set in a place called Almost in Maine. It is technically not a town because that requires people to get together and organize it to become one. Since that never happened, it’s inhabitants just call it Almost.

Each scene was student-directed and the whole play featured several love stories that are all happening simultaneously.

“I think there were 8 in total,” said Ella Heckman (12).

Each of the scenes are completely independent of each other. They don’t necessarily happen chronologically and don’t rely on each other for the story to make sense. It’s just a collage of many stories.

“We all practiced in our own groups,” said Audra Hissong (10). “And then we had two rehearsals before the show to run through the whole thing.”

In one of the scenes, a bachelorette was having a party at a restaurant and ran into her ex- boyfriend. This particular story focused on a love that was, rather than one that will be or the formation of one.

“We each auditioned for our parts,” said Lillie Matiko (10). “I wanted my part.”

Another scene featured a man asking a woman to marry him, to which he got no response and the two drifted apart. After some time, she shows up at his doorstep with an answer.

“Ella and I said it was probably about 5-7 years,” said Connor Slemp (9) between the time that she was asked and the time she gave the answer.

He explains to her the pain that this would cause. The scene ends with a woman calling his name which would show that he’s with someone and possibly married.

“It was the first time I ever did something like that, but it turned out to be extremely fun and a good experience,” said Slemp.

The play’s debut was December 20 and 21 and was performed in the JB auditorium. It was only the third time ever performed as a whole since each scene was always individually rehearsed. Even with multiple directors and little time for whole run-throughs, it flowed smoothly and was enjoyed by the audience.

Have you ever felt down and lost in life, or feel like you have lost control?

“Back On Track” is the title of the 2019-20 Marching Band show that focuses on the idea of recovering and getting back on track when life knocks you down.

“My favorite part about the show is the emotional transition before ‘Man of Constant Sorrow,’” said Connor Slemp (9). “It reminds me of going to high school when I gained freedom.”

Everyone has their own ways of dealing with their issues and it is important that you do so you can recover. As the show progresses, the railroad is broken and they put the pieces together to signify overcoming challenges.

“Everyone has struggles in life,” said Teagan Starenchak (10). “Music is something I can use to get through them.”

In the show, prisoners and railroad workers use music to get their mind off of the back-breaking work. Worrying about the issue will often stress a person out so one could use music to find their way.

“My family is based around music so playing music reminds me of good times with them,” said Slemp.
The closer of the show is the song, “I’ll Fly Away,” to show overcoming challenges. It’s much faster and a stronger song than “Down To The River To Pray,” which was in the ballad.

“It generally takes me about a week to get over most things but other things take longer,” said Slemp.

The show expresses a change through many emotions and ups and downs to get to the goal. You just have to push through like a train ready to get back on track and get through it.

“Many times I’ve wanted to give up, but I knew I shouldn’t because there are others who depend on me,” said Slemp.

Life isn’t always easy and when it’s not, you have to keep your mind focused on your goal and stay determined like a train that won’t stop.