The University of Wisconsin-Superior Theatre Department will conclude its 2023-24 season with “Almost, Maine.” Performances, directed by UW-Superior graduate and current admissions and recruitment coordinator Joshua Porter, will take place at 7:30 p.m. on May 2, 3 and 4, and at 2 p.m. May 5 in the Experimental Theatre Lab 2131 in the Holden Fine and Applied Arts Center.

“Almost, Maine” is a play about love and longing, friendship and isolation, melancholy and hope. The setting is a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter in the mythical town of Almost, Maine. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

“I really like how it brings people from many different backgrounds and life experiences together to experience one of the most beautiful things in life, love,” said Porter. “These connections lead to some goofy, serious and even sad moments that have been a fun challenge to work with.”

The large cast of student actors has taken to the wide array of emotions within the work.

“The students have responded to this production with a lot of enthusiasm,” said Porter. “Working with 17 actors is not an easy feat, but the cast has stepped up to the challenge with so much energy that sometimes it’s a challenge to keep up with their amazing creativity.”

For the final production of the 2023-24 season, “Almost, Maine” will be a triumphant conclusion to the season.

“Audience members can expect to live, laugh, and love with these incredible stories from northern Maine,” said Porter. “This is a show of love, and with how many ways the characters love, the audience will surely love as well. I can’t for you all to see it.”

Tickets for “Almost, Maine” are $10 for adults and $5 for students with a valid UW-Superior ID. Tickets may be purchased online and at the box office in the Holden Fine and Applied Arts Center. Reservations can be made at (715) 394-8369. Manion Theater is in the Holden Fine and Applied Arts Center at 1805 Catlin Ave. in Superior.