MONMOUTH — One day and night at Paradis’ Last Convenience Store near the North Maine Woods and the Canadian border goes from ordinary to exceptional for the six characters in Monmouth Community Players’ current production of “Last Gas” at Cumston Hall.

Nat Paradis has been struggling to “get back to happy” in his lackluster life. When Lureen, an old flame, comes back to the small town, it seems like an opportunity to rekindle an old romance, but circumstances lead to an unexpected turn.
“Last Gas” is a low-key slice of northern Maine life with a bittersweet twist. It’s the third of four plays by John Cariani, author of “Almost, Maine.”
Director Ray Fletcher makes the most of playwright Cariani’s dry, Maine humor.
He and the actors also do an excellent job in delineating the subtle differences in each character’s interaction with Nat.
This is the play’s strength. They all want what’s best for him, but they have different interpretations of why Nat appears incapable of grabbing life’s rewards that are right in front of him. 
Henry Quintal gives a quiet and introspective portrayal of Nat Paradis.
Quintal, who is well-known for his performances at Gaslight Theater in Hallowell, is appearing in his first role with the Monmouth Community Players.
Lureen, played by Karen Lipovsky, is the local girl who left Nat some 20 years previous, without a goodbye. Her mother’s death has brought her back for a committal service. Everyone in Nat’s life expects her reappearance to be his deliverance from the doldrums.
Both Quintal and Lipovsky are excellent in their scenes together. The plot’s central theme is Lureen’s return and Nat’s obvious second chance. Nat’s hesitation to renew the relationship is an unanticipated stumbling block that neither had seen coming.
Jeff Fairfield plays Troy, Nat’s 17-year-old son, and Cindy Dunham portrays his mother, Cherry-Tracy Pulsifer, who is Nat’s ex-wife. Cherry-Tracy is the show’s principal comic relief as a take-charge forest ranger with a lot of Barney Fife-like characteristics, such as issuing tickets left and right.
Deep down, she’s worried by Nat’s inability to take control of his life.
Fairfield’s portrayal of Troy lends convincing maturity to the teenager’s handling of an unusual relationship.
David Marshall plays Dwight, Nat’s father. He’s the owner of the convenience store that Nat manages. In this supporting role, he takes a gruff approach to his son’s reluctance to make a new go at happiness with Lureen.
Joseph Klapatch plays Guy Gagnon, who is Nat’s best friend. Guy is always on hand to help in the store, and as the show progresses, that character takes on an increasing importance in the plot.
“Last Gas” is the first of three productions in the Monmouth theatrical organization’s 2015-16 season. The popular musical, “Caberet,” is coming in January, and “The 39 Steps,” a mystery-comedy, is scheduled for April.
Remaining performances of “Last Gas”  at Cumston Hall, 793 Main St., Monmouth, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8.
General admission is $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2019072.
Sales at the door are cash or check only.