“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely players,” Shakespeare once wrote.
That may seem a somewhat fanciful statement coming from the Bard, but it’s one that the actors associated with the all-volunteer Foothill Community Players might agree with. As the company kicks off its first main-stage production of 2026, these players are offering a blend of drama and comedy with a heartfelt look into what it looks like to love and be loved, courtesy of a play titled “Almost, Maine.”
The play centers around citizens of a fictional town called Almost, Maine. Propelled by the mystical power of the Northern Lights, they experience changes in their relationships as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers. Eight loosely connected vignettes tell the stories of several couples, and yet it’s the town itself that seems to drive these stories forward, creating chaos and clarity, love and hope, and much more.
Not surprisingly, it stirs up quite a bit of actual emotion, and those taking part say they’ve been deeply affected as a result.
This is the fifth Foothills Community Players production for Jadyn York, who has been involved with Foothills Community Players for just over a year and plays the dual role of “Daniel” and “Pete.”
“The first time I heard about FCP was when my friend told me about the open audition for their production of ‘The Odd Couple,’ which stated that the roles were open to be gender-swapped depending on the individual actors,” York said. “That told me that this group was open-minded about LGBTQ+ dynamics and people like me. The only background in theatre I had prior to joining FCP was as a fan of musical theatre. I have learned so much about acting and the technical side of theater during every production.”
Up to that point, York had always tended to be shy and introverted, but says that the initial experience continued to resonate in an overwhelmingly positive way. “The people in leadership are very thoughtful in how they conduct every rehearsal or gathering I’ve attended,” York added. “During every show I’ve worked on, at least one actor said it was their first time acting again in years, and finding this community theatre company in Maryville was wonderful for them.”
So too, it’s that ability to bond with others, which helps make the process so special.
“During my very first performance, I felt the magic of creating something with my cast mates and feeding off of the audience’s energy,” York said. “Experiencing something together with a room full of people literally creates community, and the story everyone experiences can inspire endless emotions and conversations within the team and the audience.”
Nicci Grigsby, who plays “Marci,” and holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Maryville College, tends to agree. Grigsby has been involved with Foothills Community Players since the final show of the first season in 2009.
“I was inspired to get involved with FCP because a friend of mine worked with the group and asked if I’d be willing to direct the audience-chosen show, ‘Same Time, Next Year.’”
“I was drawn to theatre because I always loved playing pretend,” Grigsby said. “When I found out that I could play pretend with other people who wanted to play pretend, that was it for me! FCP is special because of the inclusive and supportive atmosphere. This group works hard to keep the space safe and welcoming for individuals from many walks of life.”
For Grigsby, theater serves a very particular purpose. “It’s important to the community because it’s a place where we can explore society, the human condition, and the universe safely. We can use it as a reflection and commentary, to support social change, entertain and connect. I enjoy ‘Almost, Maine’ because it mixes themes of hope, love, and loss within relationships, and looks closely at the connections between two or three people at a time.”
“Participating in community theater has given me a group with whom to hang out and make something,” York said. “Being creative in this way has been like discovering a treasure trove of storytelling geniuses. In my short year of theater, I’ve made some good friends through our shared experiences of working through problems as a team. ‘Almost, Maine’ has been fascinating to unfold and build together, and it’s given all of us the opportunity to enjoy each other’s energy. We are stronger together!”
“The ephemeral nature of theatre makes every production special and unique. No two productions, even of the same show, can ever be the same,” Grigsby said.
Hannah Childs, the production’s co-director and stage manager, has been with FCP since 2023.
“FCP is so special in the community it creates and fosters,” she said. “I’ve been around with a few theatre companies, but I have never felt one as close to family as FCP. Everyone is so welcoming and so committed to creating a safe space for finding joy in theatre.”
Childs, who’s been involved in theatre since middle school, said she was very excited to get back to it through FCP.
“I love theatre and acting because of the uniqueness that comes with every show and event,” she said. “It creates a safe space for marginalized communities to come together and raise their voice together. That’s our priority. We want to raise the voices of the LGBTQ+ community with our different cabaret shows and main stage productions. In these tumultuous times, it’s important we support everyone.”
She added, “The human touch is so important in art. We have to keep hold of it and let the human experience influence art. People are wonderful and amazing and make wildly beautiful things. Getting on stage with the people I love and creating art is just so, so beautiful.”
Childs said this particular play affirms that fact. “‘Almost, Maine’ is a show all about love and friendship, “ she noted. “So getting to see the chemistry build off stage has been absolutely lovely! At the end of this production, I think we will all have lasting friendships. There were so many moments onstage and off to embolden our friendships, and in the process, I’ve learned more about myself. I will gladly take all the things I’ve learned from everyone moving forward.”
Catch “Almost, Maine” at The Chilhowee Club, 2233 Clarion Avenue, Maryville, with showings 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Tickets are $18 plus service fee, but Saturday’s show is “pay what you can.” VIP ticket option for the 8 p.m. April 24, show is $23 plus service feel and includes a water bottle and button. Find tickets here.
