Proving once again that the best things frequently come in small packages is the current South Bend Civic Theatre production of “Almost, Maine.”

Playing through Sunday in the Warner Studio Theatre, this delightfully warm work by first-time playwright John Cariani looks at the many phases and forms of love — coming and going — through a series of eight vignettes, each enacted by a different couple (and, in one case, plus one).

Originally performed by two men and two women who alternated in the 16 roles, the script allows for the cast to number as many as 19 — nine men and 10 women — which is the format used with exceptional success by SBCT.

Too often, this would result in several strong duos and, at best, a couple not-so-strong. Here, there are no not-so-strongs in the bunch. Making it even more interesting, several are pairs in real life. But whether connected outside as well as on stage, each twosome makes its playlet totally believable, even when frequently absurd.

Seyhan Kilic (left) and Doug Streich in a segment from "Almost, Maine" Wednesday through Sunday in South Bend Civic Theatre.

The tales are set in a small town in an “unorganized territory” almost in Maine. Its characters drink at the local bar, the Moose Paddy, and obviously know each other outside of their particular relationships. Think “Northern Exposure” or “Men in Trees” without actual connections.

From the widow carrying a broken heart to a mismatched duo meeting in the laundry room to a young woman coming home for an answer, each segment is an individual gem.

The stories range from the oddly romantic to the semi-slapstick to the bittersweet, with a Prologue/Interlogue/Epilogue encircling them all in a global embrace that shows actions speak louder than.

Director Leigh Taylor has led her actors, which include those with a long list of credits and those with few or none, deftly and directly to the heart of each scene. The results, without exception, are delightfully gratifying and right on the money.

There is really no set, unless you count the long wide strip of cotton batting stretched across the bottom of the back wall to indicate snow. Each segment has its own set pieces and the “northern lights” are most effective.

The rest is done by the actors, and the quirkily wonderful script by Coriani, himself a Tony-nominated actor. It was developed in 2002, premiered in 2004 (appropriately at the Portland Stage Company) and played off Broadway in 2005-06, being named one of the best new plays of the season. The reason for its swift rise in popularity is obvious in the SBCT production. There is no doubt it will be around for many seasons to come.

It’s the perfect show for any time, but is especially appropriate as Valentine’s Day draws near.

Unfortunately, only five more performances are scheduled (Wednesday through Sunday) and the studio theater has limited seating.

My advice is to call now (243-1112) and book a trip to “Almost, Maine.”

TRAVELED TO KALAMAZOO Thursday evening to catch the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre production of a rarely-produced Steven Schwartz/Joseph Stein musical “The Baker’s Wife” directed by the Elco’s  Craig Gibson with Elkhart’s Paul Hanft as the Baker.

This was the second or third version of the musical which, despite two Broadway productions, never caught on. The music remains lovely and the story rather obvious but the KCT production boasted an excellent orchestra and an ensemble that provided many strong individual performances as well as a full vocal presention.  

Hanft, as always, provided the Baker with a fine baritone and was especially convincing in his Act One finale. The premise hangs on the baker’s wife, Genevieve, being believeably much younger than her new husband and thus susceptible to the advances of Dominique, the local stud, thus throwing the bread-obsessed villagers into a panic when their departure kills the baker’s zest for his art.

This Genevieve may have been much younger, but her wig gave her the appearance of a matron from “Mad Men”  and her voice was much too heavy for the role. Dominique was too short, too slight and too palid to come anywhere close to being a wild and dangerous ladies man. The necessary connection was nowhere to be found.

For fans of this musical, however, it plays one more weekend in the KCT studio theater. For tickets, (269) 343-1313.