LEWISTON — Following The Public Theatre’s fourth consecutive win of Down East Magazine’s “Best Theatre in Maine” readers’ poll, and the excitement of breaking box office records last season with Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey’s production of “The Ladies Foursome,” the theater’s 26th season includes three New England premieres and another play written by Norm Foster, the author of  “Ladies Foursome.”

Ticket prices remain $20 for adults, and $5 for 18 and under.

The season officially begins Oct. 14 – 23 with Tony Award nominee and Maine playwright John Cariani’s most recent play, “Last Gas.” Filled with humor, warmth and a love of the Red Sox, love is lost and found in Northern Maine, in this funny, touching and thoughtful comedy by the author of “Almost, Maine.“

Nat Paradis is a lonely, Red Sox-loving man who manages the last store to get gas before the Canadian border. When an old flame returns to town on the same day his best friend arrives with the gift of Red Sox vs Yankees tickets, Nat’s quiet world sparks to life as last chances and choices collide and he follows his heart into unknown territory. A special behind-the-scenes fundraising event featuring Cariani and the cast will be held on Wednesday, Sept 28.

Next up, on Nov. 4, 5, 6, get ready to laugh as national stand-up comedian headliners Karen Morgan (a finalist on Nickelodeon’s “Search for the Funniest mom in America”) and Jim Colliton join together in “Lawn and Disorder,”an entertaining show about the hilarity found in everyday married life. Prepare for nonstop laughter, audience participation and even a couples’ game show in this delightful  evening of comedy that has “perfect date night” written all over it.

The holiday season is ushered in with The Public Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of “A Christmas Carol,”  Dec. 9, 10 and 11. Rediscover the magic of theater, when six actors and a fiddler bring Charles Dickens’ classic story to life in a way you’ve never imagined and will never forget.

TPT will ring in the New Year with “Under the Skin,” Jan.27 – Feb. 5. This funny, powerful and moving new play about parents and children explores the truth about this most complicated connection. Raina’s ailing father needs her kidney. But he’s been a lousy dad, so she’s not too sure he’s “kidney worthy.” What do we actually owe to our parents and they to us? How do we get to a place of generosity with the people who have let us down? Why can’t we act like adults when our parents are in the room? The road to understanding is paved with surprises, as this insightful new play asks, “What does it mean to give a part of yourself to someone else?”

 Then, shake off the winter blues with the hip and charming romantic comedy “Wrong for Each Other,” March 17 -26. How do you act when you run into an ex nine years later? It’s all awkwardness, nostalgia and laughter as this seemingly mismatched couple flashes back through the highs and lows of their past relationship. Imagine “Mad About You” with the witty banter of “Seinfeld,” in this charming romantic comedy filled with the wisdom of hindsight, written by the author of last season’s box-office-record breaking “The Ladies Foursome.”

The season finishes with “Ripocord,” May 5 – 14. It’s “The Golden Girls” meets “The Odd Couple” when two feisty widows wage war with each other over the most desirable room in a retirement home in this hilarious and heartfelt new comedy from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Good People” and “Fuddy Meers.”

Season subscriptions are currently on sale. Individual tickets, gift certificates, morning student matinees and group rates (for parties of 10 or more) are available for all productions. For more information or show times visit www.thepublictheatre.org or call 782-3200. 

The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St. 

The Public Theatre 2016-17 Season Underwriters: Platz Associates, Sun Journal, Austin Associates, Maine Magazine and Gleason Media Services.