Darker the Night, Brighter the Stars
February 18 – March 8, 2026
Written by John Cariani
In a town that is not quite Almost, Maine a younger generation of lovers and dreamers wrestle with their relationships, their identities, and the day to day challenges of living. On a warm summer night where the Perseid meteor shower fills the dark sky with shooting stars and possibility, these young people connect and collide, asking big questions and seeking out answers in a quest to be seen for who they are. In a companion piece to his hit Almost, Maine, Playwright John Cariani gives a heartfelt, honest voice to this next generation of Northern Mainers.
Mainer’s Double Bill
For the first time ever, John Cariani’s two companion pieces can be seen together in one incredible experience. Cariani’s beloved Maine Masterpiece ALMOST, MAINE (which has been produced nearly 6,000 times to date) is seen alongside his newest play DARKER THE NIGHT… Both plays take place in Northern Maine—one in a fictional town called Almost; the other in a town based on Cariani’s hometown of Presque Isle. And both plays introduce the audience to a collection of interconnected characters and stories. But while ALMOST, MAINE is more of a Fairy Tale about grown-ups finding love and connection, DARKER THE NIGHT… deals more realistically with a younger generation struggling to connect. Together, they form a beautiful and nuanced portrait of life in Northern Maine. You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to see both plays, together in a truly magical Maine experience.