Maine was workshopped at the Cape Cod Theatre Project in the summer of 2002. At that time, it was called Basketville, Maine. Gabriel Barre was the director. Barre has stayed with the project and will pilot the coming New York premiere. Producers hope to bring in the play in February 2005. No theatre has been named for the engagement. The cast will include Justin Hagan, Ibi Janko, Larry Nathanson and Wendy Stetson. The set designer is Jim Youmans, lighting design is by Tim Hunter, costumes are by Pamela Scofield and original music is by Julian Fleisher.

Almost, Maine will get its premiere at Portland Stage Company in Maine Oct. 26-Nov. 21.

Set in the potato country of northern Maine, the show consists of "quirky little love vignettes," according to PSC show materials.

Cariani is currently making his Broadway debut as Motel in the revival of Fiddler on the Roof. He has appeared Off-Broadway in It's My Party... and in such films as "Scotland, PA," "Showtime," and "Kissing Jessica Stein." He also has a recurring role on "Law & Order."