Cariani play hits Portland stage
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — A Presque Isle native whose acting career has landed him roles in television’s “Law and Order” and a Tony-nominated role in Broadway’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” and whose first written play “Almost Maine” was performed across the nation and four continents at various venues, will have his latest creation performed on a Portland stage this month, with the premiere of “Last Gas.”
Cariani
Like “Almost Maine,” “Last Gas” draws on John Cariani’s Aroostook County roots, sharing with his audience the realities and nuances of living in a rural community.
“Nat Paradis is stuck in a rut as the manager of Paradis’ Last Conveniece Store in northern Maine. When an old flame returns to town, Nat faces a choice between the possibilities of new love and old in this bittersweet, romantic comedy that looks at love lost … and found … and the curve balls life throws us,” said Cariani, describing his latest play.
The play questions the conventional idea of “the American dream,” asking whether there is more to happiness than having a good job, a spouse and a white picket fence.
“Last Gas” is Cariani’s second play to premiere with the Portland Stage Company. Like his first play, the latest work is also set in a remote area of Aroostook County. “Last Gas” is a new thing — a new play — a world premiere! Doing a new play is a wonderfully exciting combination of risk and opportunity. When we are doing a world premiere, the playwright usually spends significant time here, making changes to the script, polishing up the dialogue, seeing the story in a new light as it emerges in live performance. It’s quite an experience for everyone who participates in the process,” said Camillia “Camy” Barrantes, managing director.
Sally Wood said directing a play about Maine at a Maine venue brings out the “familiar” qualities that make day-to-day reality so amazing.
“John is also really good at guarding what growing up in northern Maine means to him and about honoring that, not just making fun of it. I feel much more comfortable having him in the room, because he knows how to walk that line, being from there,” continued Wood.
“The characters in this play are dealing with the quiet things that kill people, the small everyday choices that people make that have huge repercussions,” explained Cariani.
For Cariani, a school field trip served as the inspiration for his career choice.
“From that moment,” he said, “I knew I wanted to someday write about people who are busy dreaming and not quite achieving.”
Cariani resides in New York where he continues his career as both a writer and actor.
Performances are scheduled through Nov. 21. For more information, contact the box office at 774-0465, e-mail boxoffice@portlandstage.org or visit www.portlandstage.org. Portland Stage Company is located at 25A Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101.
