It occurs to me that I especially enjoy the last production of each season produced by The Public Theatre. The show is usually a comedy with a lighthearted spirit, nothing too deep or dramatic, and something that’s simply very entertaining.

This year’s season-ender is a production of “Enchanted April,” an uplifting story of how two World War I era British women, bored with their everyday lives and relationships, revitalize their existence during a monthlong holiday to a castle in Italy. The show is amusing, sometimes very funny and, as if appropriately titled, enchanting.

The bored housewives are Lottie, played by Anne-Marie Cusson, a soul trying to find purpose in her life with husband, Mellersh, played by Andrew Harris; and Rose, played by Janet Mitchko, a devout wife dedicated to her self-centered husband, Frederick, played by Michael Mckenzie. The twosome recruit an elderly curmudgeon, Mrs. Graves, played by Sheriden Thomas, and a Bohemian free spirit, Caroline, played by Nicole Golden, to join them in a once-in-a-lifetime flee to Italy to escape the real world for one month.

And while the journey seems to offer a bit of paradise, the Tuscan sun has a few surprises as it teaches each woman to reflect on her woeful life and to realize that contentment is not as far away as she once thought.

To single out the performance of any of the four leading ladies would be unfair. The four are a terrific ensemble, each giving her individual character a delightful persona. You’ll love the girlish giddiness offered by Cusson and Mitchko and you’ll admire the wonderful transformation Thomas brings to Mrs. Graves. Golden certainly creates an intriguing character while she looks stunning in an array of bright, bold and beautiful costumes.

Harris offers comic relief as the stoic husband and does a well-choreographed scene with only a bath towel to hide what should be hidden on stage. McKenzie is very credible as Rose’s philandering husband.

Peter Crosby is delightful as Antony Wilding, owner of the Italian castle, and Susan Poulin, who has graced The Public Theatre with her homespun productions,was “eccellente” as the Italian-speaking housemaid.

Set designer Michael Reidy’s gorgeous, flower-laden garden and impressive castle set received rousing applause from the audience. Lighting designer Bart Garvey’s wonderful lighting makes us feel the warmth of the Italian sun and the romantic atmosphere of an Italian evening.

This sweet little play is a celebration of two unhappy women who have the courage to change their situations for the better. In the course of doing so, they positively affect the lives of those around them, making “Enchanted April” a story about the magic of healing and an affirmation of good old-fashioned romance.

Go and do

WHAT: “Enchanted April”

WHEN: at 7 p.m. May 10, at 8 p.m. May 11-12, and at 2 p.m. May 13

WHERE: The Public Theatre at Maple and Lisbon streets, Lewiston

TICKETS: $16/$14

CALL: 782-3200