The world premiere of “Paint Night,” a hilarious and heartbreaking new play that will speak to women of all ages, will be presented from Oct. 20-29 at The Public Theatre in Lewiston. Audiences will have a chance to meet playwright Carey Crim and share their thoughts about the play during a free post-show discussion following the 3 p.m. performance on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Imagine a modern-day “Steel Magnolias,” when six women get together in a Paint Studio for a much-needed girls night out. Their plan is to paint and sip, but as the alcohol flows, so does their laughter and tears, and their thoughts on motherhood and womanhood get hilariously and heartbreakingly revealed. “Paint Night” is about the way women support each other in an unpredictable world and what happens when we put down our cell phones and paint outside the lines of our comfort zone.”

Director Janet Mitchko says, “Whether you’re a mother, a daughter or a grandmother, every woman will recognize a part of herself or her life in this play. ‘Paint Night’ also raises current topics happening in our world in a funny, honest, and relatable way.”

Last season Mitchko directed playwright Carey Crim’s, “Morning After Grace.” “The great thing about Carey’s writing,” says Mitchko, “is her sense of humor and the way she incorporates it so truthfully into the difficult moments of life. We are pleased that Maine audiences will be the first people to see this play and we promise it will make you laugh, cry and perhaps even inspire you to try a paint night”.

The six professional actresses in the show portray mothers, daughters, and grandmothers, as well as friends. Kate Udall (Miriam) plays the mother of Lolly (Jessica Mosher) the bride-to-be the paint night is celebrating. Also at the paint night is Miriam’s old college roommate Fern (Susan Craves), accompanied by her multi-tasking daughter Bree (Jessica DiGiovanni) and Bree’s best friend and mother of three, Gwen (Jeri Marshall). Leading the paint night is Vera (Jane Abernethy) the creative and Yoda-like owner of the paint night studio.

These actresses have been practicing their painting skills with local artist Melanie Therrien from Wicked Illustrations and many of the paintings on the set are from actual local paint nights.

The art studio where the play takes place has been designed by Kit Mayer, costumes by Anne Collins, and lighting by Betty Faul-Welfare.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; at 3 p.m. on Saturdays; at 2 p.m. on Sundays; and an added performance at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. Tickets are $30 Adults, $25 Groups 10+, $20 Student 19+ with ID and can be purchased online at thepublictheatre.org or by calling 207-782-3200. The Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

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