A local high school theater group is moving its production of a popular play to the stage of the Canton Theatre this weekend for two performances.

The River Ridge Theatre Troupe from the River Ridge High School in Woodstock is presenting “Almost, Maine,” a romantic comedy in two acts. The play consists of nine scenes or vignettes.

“‘Almost, Maine’ is a mythical town where we see nine stories of relationships unfold. All the scenes are happening at 9 p.m. on a wintery Friday night,” said director Rob Fields, the River Ridge theatre director.

Play times at the Canton Theatre are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The River Ridge Theatre Troupe will present the play for the final time on Wednesday at the school.

Written by John Cariani, “Almost, Maine” is a play that is both simple and eloquent, relaying the truth about love and relationships and the wonder and fragility that both bring.

“You see the scenes one after the other, but they are actually happening all at the same time. Some stories of love go right and some go wrong. All the stories will show love in some new and interesting angles,” Fields said.

Canton Theatre manager Robert Sequin said the play’s inclusion in the local theater’s schedule is a great opportunity for the students to perform in a true theatrical setting.

“This is a great light romantic adventure and some neat stories,” Sequin said. “This also gives these high school students a great opportunity to be a theater setting and see what real theater is.”

The New York Times called “Almost, Maine” “a whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance. Magical happenings bloom beneath the snowdrifts.”

“Almost, Maine” was selected by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most outstanding regional theatrical productions of the 2004-05 season.

“This is the right time for this play, right before Valentine’s Day,” Sequin said. “It makes a nice evening out for couples.”

Juniors and seniors are in the most prominent roles, Fields said.

The cast includes seniors Emma O’Bryant, Katie Queen, Juan Sanchez, Emily Murray, Ian Gibson, McKenna Haag, Macaulay Vanhoose, Alexis DeJuan, Jesse Large; juniors Abby Snelson, Mersiha Ramic, Trent Lindbom, David Jackson; sophomores Miller Albers and Cassiano Viana; freshmen Maddie Huff and Pier Bolugne-Glavin.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the box office and by calling (770) 704-0755.