LEWISTON — Bursting with intensity and packed with compelling concepts about changing relationships, the upcoming Maine premiere of “Time Stands Still” at The Public Theatre promises to be a big hit with audiences.

The play, which opens March 15, is the latest by Donald Margulies, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Dinner with Friends.” The Broadway run of “Time Stands Still” in 2010-2011 earned a Tony nomination for Best Play.

The plot blends the exhilarating experiences of two war-zone journalist who are faced with sudden and bewildering disorientation as they are forced to seek new lives of domestic normalcy.

Sarah, a talented photojournalist, is recovering from injuries suffered in a road-side bomb blast in Iraq. She and James had hoped to make a difference in the world by traveling to the hotspots of global conflict.

Now, back at their Brooklyn loft, they reassess their lives and struggle with their new reality. But what’s the more dangerous place —  a war zone or a committed relationship? Is focusing on the happiness in their lives an act of courage, or a naive denial of the suffering around them?

Into that situation comes Richard, their close friend, and his new love interest, Mandy, a seemingly shallow young woman who appears to get her news from the Entertainment Network. Stunned by their intelligent colleague’s choice of girlfriend and his unapologetic happiness, the adventuresome Sarah and James unexpectedly find that their own perspective on life is challenged by the personality of this naive young woman.

Christopher Schario, TPT’s artistic director and director of this show, said, “This play is witty, timely and very hip. It can make people laugh and cry and argue.” It’s the kind of show that inspires lively discussion and people will talk about it all the way home, Schario said.

“The wonderful thing about this play is that it presents both sides of all arguments in an entertaining and powerful way, leaving the audience to make up their own mind,” Schario said.

Janet Mitchko and Evan Mueller play the globe-trotting couple, Sarah and James.

Mitchko, who is TPT’s co-artistic director, has appeared in numerous productions at TPT, and was seen most recently in “The Book Club Play.”

Mueller is the artistic director of The Strange Sun Theater Company in New York and previously appeared at The Public Theatre in “Indoor/Outdoor,” “The Nerd” and “Orphans,” as well as with  theater companies throughout the country.

David Newer portrays their close friend. Newer has appeared at TPT in “Magnetic North,” “Rounding Third” and “Dinner with Friends.” He has also appeared multiple times on TV’s “Law and Order” and is an acting teacher at the esteemed Bill Esper Studio in New York.

Jessica DiGiovanni, a newcomer to the TPT stage, plays Mandy. She has appeared in New York at The Manhattan Theatre Club and can also be seen (and heard) in multiple television commercials.

The Brooklyn loft in which the play takes place is designed by Judy Staicer, with lighting by Bart Garvey and costumes by Annette Bourque.

“Time Stands Still” contains adult language, it is noted.

“Time Stands Still” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Fridays, March 15 and 21-22; at 8 p.m. Saturdays, March 16 and 23; and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, March 17 and 24, as well as an added matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for groups of 10 or more, and $5 for anyone 18 and under. For tickets call 782-3200 or for more information visit the website at www.thepublictheatre,org.

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