Events

Love Under the Northern Lights: Almost, Maine Shines in Cebu

Some shows you watch, enjoy, and move on. But then there are productions that stick with you long after the curtain falls—where you find yourself smiling at random scenes or remembering lines that felt a little too close to home. Almost, Maine by John Cariani, staged here in Cebu by Little Boy Productions with Hendri Go at the helm, was exactly that kind of show for me.

The play takes you to a fictional town called Almost, where love appears, disappears, and sometimes gets turned upside down under the Northern Lights. What I loved most is how each short story about love was funny, witty, and so relatable you couldn’t help but see a piece of your own life on stage. One moment, the whole audience was laughing out loud, and the next, there was this quiet hush because—yep—that one hit a little too close to the heart.

And the cast? Absolutely amazing. This all-Cebuano ensemble gave the play so much heart and magic. Watching Nyegs Abayon, Yalena Ysabel Achacoso, Rhea Fantonial Bautista, Jay Chan II, Claire Codilla, Jolu Escaño, Maxim Ilagan, Nelson Judaya, Chloe Palang, Robert Palomo, Thomas Pua, Jean Mari Saraña, John Sitchon, and Yesha Suralta bring these stories to life was such a joy. Every single one of them made their characters real and memorable—it honestly felt like we were all part of the town of Almost for a night.

It was even more special for me because I had friends in the cast. Seeing them shine on stage and completely own their roles made me so proud. Cebu has so much talent, and productions like this are proof that our theater scene is alive and thriving.

And the excitement doesn’t stop here. The October staging is adding another layer of magic with Reb Atadero joining the cast, alongside Tara Cabaero, Jolu Escaño, John Sitchon, Nelson Judaya, Chloe Palang, Robert Palomo, Jean Mari Saraña, John Hanlon, Yesha Suralta, and Maxim Ilagan. With this lineup, I can only imagine how much more unforgettable the next show will be.

If you missed it, don’t worry. Almost, Maine will be back for one night only on October 4, 2025, at 8 PM at the UP Cebu Performing Arts Hall. Take my word for it—it’s a must-watch. Go laugh, maybe cry a little, and definitely fall in love with theater all over again.

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