The small cast of “Almost, Maine” is excited to return to the stage at Gowanda High. The community is invited to attend free of charge on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8, 2023. Standing: Alyssa Golden, Madilyn Pawlak and Jack Warrior III. Sitting: Richard Kuras, Hayleigh Hooper and Alhanna Gabel.

GOWANDA – Following a three-year hiatus, the Thespian Society of Gowanda High School is staging its first post-pandemic production and the community is invited to attend the romantic comedy free of charge.

“Almost, Maine” by John Cariani will be staged Monday and Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium and the entry fee is being waived thanks to the generosity of its sponsors.

(A no-cost senior preview of “Almost, Maine” is scheduled Friday at 1 p.m. in the auditorium.)

At its core, “Almost, Maine” (2004) is a play about love and how it can be joyful, painful, confusing – and even funny. The production is split into several vignettes and centers on seven couples that demonstrate how love is a kind of magic.

“From the moment this cast of actors stepped on stage I have been absolutely floored by their talent, and they have proven week after week that they have both talent and work ethic,” says director Hayley Wilkins. “We faced many challenges through these weeks of rehearsals, role changes, tight timelines, and crazy schedules to contend with. But always this cast was resilient, and brought their all to the stage.”