Hope College Theatre will present "Almost, Maine" by John Cariani in the DeWitt Center studio theatre beginning Friday, Oct. 8.

Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8 and 9, and Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 12-15.  Curtain time for all performances is 8 p.m.

"On a magical winter night in the fictional small town of Almost, Maine, several of its residents experience both the joy and the disappointment of love," explained Daina Robins, who is the production's director as well as a professor of theatre and chairperson of the department. "It's a sweet and funny tale and one that we are hoping will appeal to our primary intended audience --the students here at college --but will resonate with anyone who understands the ups and downs of romance."

In addition, to Robins, faculty members working on the production team are Richard Smith, scenic and properties designer; Michelle Bombe, costume designer; and Perry Landes, lighting and sound designer.  Staff member Paul Anderson is the technical director, and staff member Darlene Christopher is the costume shop manager.

The cast of "Almost, Maine" includes sophomore Skyler Adams of Holland; senior Tom Bird of Baraboo, Wis.; junior Noah Busman of Scotia, N.Y.; junior Kelsey Cratty of Rockford Ill.; freshman Lauren Ezzo of Haslett; junior Daniel Pesch of Western Springs, Ill.; sophomore Kaija von Websky of Holland; and junior Kara Williams of Saline.  Other students working on the production are junior Elizabeth Dwyer of Ypsilanti, stage manager; and junior Annelise Belmonte of Northbrook, Ill., assistant stage manager.

Tickets for "Almost, Maine" are $10 for regular admission, $7 for senior citizens and Hope faculty and staff, and $5 for students, and are available at the ticket office in the main lobby of the DeVos Fieldhouse.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and may be called at (616) 395-7890.

The DeVos Fieldhouse is located at 222 Fairbanks Ave., between Ninth and 11th streets. The DeWitt Center is located at 141 E. 12th St., on Columbia Avenue at 12th Street.