LEWISTON — One-hundred theatergoers will have the chance to go behind the scenes with Maine playwright, Broadway star and Tony-nominated actor John Cariani, along with the actors of “Last Gas ” during their first week of rehearsal as a fundraising event to benefit The Public Theatre.

It’s scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The evening will include complimentary wine or beer and nibbles, and a chance to meet and mingle with other theater lovers, plus private tours to the parts of the theatre the audience never sees.

Part of the experience will be a question-and-answer period with Cariani and the company of “Last Gas,” and the chance to watch a piece of rehearsal while director Janet Mitchko and the actors do their work.

“Last Gas,” Cariani’s recently-published play, will open Oct. 14 at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s Professional Theatre. Personally autographed scripts of the play will also be available for purchase as a memento of this fundraising event.

Originally from Presque Isle, Cariani has found success as a playwright and actor. On Broadway, he received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for the revival of “Fiddler on the Roof,” and most recently originated the role of Nigel Bottom in the Tony-nominated musical “Something Rotten!” He is in rehearsal for a new musical starring Tony Shalhoub, Off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theatre Company.

Cariani is also a familiar face on television, having appeared on “Law & Order,” “Homeland,” and in various commercials. As a playwright, his play “Almost, Maine” has become one of the most produced and popular plays in the country and introduced audiences around the world to the magic of this beautiful state. He is also the author of “Love/Sick.”

Tickets are $35 a person, or $50 a couple. Admission will be limited to the first 100 responses. For additional information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.thepublictheatre.org or call 207-782-3200