Katharine McCleod as Kate and Jason Cadieux as Ben in “Secret Hour” at The Public Theatre in Lewiston. Submitted photo

The compelling new play “Secret Hour,” an entertaining, humorous, poignant, and thought-provoking production, will be staged at The Public Theatre in Lewiston. This will be the play’s second production after its world premiere last year in New York.

For fun, a married couple invents a game where they confess unflattering truths about themselves and promise to love each other anyway. But is unconditional love really possible? Is being truthful the same thing as being true to oneself? Thankfully, they have a wise and hilarious handyman with a life coach certificate to help them answer these and other compelling questions. “Secret Hour” is also a powerful play for women as its female character must face the decision of pursuing a career path or a family. The play cleverly asks if committed relationships brings out the best in us, or make us compromise our true selves in consideration of the people we love. Couples of all ages will find this play relevant to their lives and appreciate its intelligence, humor and fascinating questions.

Playing the role of Kate, a successful college Ethics professor will be Katharine McLeod. She previously appeared at The Public Theatre in “Last Gas” and regularly performs in professional theatres across the US and Canada. Playing her husband Ben is Jason Cadieux. He has been seen at The Public Theatre in “Wait Until Dark” and “Wrong for Each Other.” For the last 5 seasons, Cadieux has been a company member of the acclaimed Shaw Festival Theatre in Canada and has also appeared in “Blue Bloods,” “FBI” and “Law & Order: SVU.” Playing this couple’s wise and hilarious handyman Leaf is Josh Adams. Although based in New York, Adams has performed to acclaim at multiple well-known theatres in the D.C. area including The Folger and The Woolly Mammoth. At the directorial helm of this production will be Chris Clavelli who last directed “A Doll’s House Part 2” for The Public Theatre. He is currently a resident director at Florida Repertory Theatre, and a recipient of a Carbonell Award for Best Actor and a Barrymore Award. His direction earned him an Alan Schneider directing nomination through Theatre Communications Group. The Set Design for Secret Hour will be by Chez Cherry, lights by Matt Cost, costumes by Kevin Hutchins and sound by John Morrison.

Secret Hour will be performed beginning Friday, March 15, and continue through Sunday, March 24. Showtimes are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m.; with an added evening performance at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Playwright Jenny Stafford will be joining The Public Theatre in the rehearsal process and participating in two free post-show discussions with the cast and director directly following matinee performances on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17. Tickets are $30/Adults, $25/Groups 10+, $20/Student (19+ with ID). For tickets call 207-782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org. The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.