WATERVILLE — “It’s Only a Play” will be staged Jan. 27-Feb. 5 at The Waterville Opera House, Common St.

The play is a celebration of theatre at its best … and theatre people behaving their not-so-best.

If it’s only a play, then what’s it all about? It is the opening night of Peter Austin’s new play on Broadway and he anxiously awaits to see if his show will be a hit or a flop. With his career on the line, he shares the big First Night with his television star best friend, the novice but wealthy producer, the pill-popping leading lady, the unstable yet genius director, and a lethal drama critic. This show is rated PG-13 for profanity.

The play was written by Terrence McNally, an American playwright, librettist and screenwriter. Originally having opened Off-Off-Broadway in 1982, the production was revived Off-Broadway in 1986, and then on Broadway in 2014.

Tickets cost $21 for adults, $19 for youths and seniors, groups of 10 or more will receive a discount. The play is sponsored by Hamlin’s Marine.

For show times and ticket information, call 873-7000 or visit www.operahouse.org.

Cast: James, Cory King; Peter, Daniel Hollander; Ira, Bart Shattuck; Julia, Jeralyn Shattuck; Frank, Timothy Croce; Virginia, Elizabeth Chasse-King; and Gus, Aaron Louque.

Production team is director, Adam P. Blais; scenic design, Tyler Richardson; lighting design, Heather Crocker; and sound design, Jayson Murray.