Russell Berrigan, left, as Mike and Janet Mitchko as Bari in “Be Here Now.” Submitted photo

“Be Here Now,” by Deborah Zoe Laufer, will be staged and recorded at The Pubic Theatre, 31 Maple St. in Lewiston.

Show times are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25; 2 p.m. June 19 and 26; and 3 p.m. June 25.

Bari is a cynical, pessimistic professor currently working at a small-town fulfillment center surrounded by chatty and cheerful co-workers determined to perk her up. They are also determined to fix her up with their eccentric cousin Mike. But when Bari develops a medical condition that begins to transform her into a happy, hopeful, believer in love, she begins to wonder if curing her condition will return her to misery. A wise and quirky comedy, “Be Here Now” invites us to ponder the question, “Is happiness a choice or a pre-existing condition?”

“’Be Here Now’ is the perfect play for this moment in time”, says director Christopher Schario in a news release. “On the days when life can feel like nothing matters, Be Here Now offers a hopeful and uplifting perspective that will leave you with a new appreciation for life reminding you to not let the beauty of every moment pass you by without noticing.”

The play features a professional cast of favorite familiar faces to Public Theatre audiences. Actress Janet Mitchko plays the role of Bari. Janet has appeared numerous times at TPT, most recently in A Doll’s House Part 2, The Ladies Foursome, and Women in Jeopardy. Playing her love interest Mike is Russell Berrigan last seen at The Public Theatre as the husband in Sexy Laundry.  Bari’s cheerful co-workers Patty and Luanne will be played by Sheila Stasack and Mary Mattison Vallery. Sheila has appeared in numerous shows at TPT including A Christmas Carol, Communicating Doors and Red Herring.  She has a delightful, comedy movie Love in Kilnerry coming out this summer.  Mary is new to Public Theatre audiences.  She originated the role of Elizabeth Bennet in the new musical Pride and Prejudice, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Designers for Be Here Now include Amber Callahan (set), Erin Fauble (lights), John Morrison (sound) and Debra Susi (costumes).

The Public Theatre will be offering a Video-On-Demand option for “Be Here Now” that will be recorded in front of a live audience and can be watched from home beginning on June 21.

In-person tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 per person for a group of 10-plus, $20 for students (19-plus with ID), and $10 for children.

Video-On-Demand tickets also are available.

For more information, visit thepublictheatre.com.