The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn's Professional Theatre, will kick off its 23rd season with the “un-romantic” comedy “Love/Sick,” running Oct 18-27.

This series of funny and bittersweet love stories written by Maine playwright John Cariani, author of the popular comedy “Almost, Maine,” revisits the topic of love, but this time dares to ask, “Once you find love, what the heck do you do with it, and how do you make it last?”

From a bride who wears Isotoners to keep her “cold feet” warm, to a man who loses his hearing every time the words “I love you” are spoken; this perfect show for imperfect lovers will strike a resonant chord with anyone who's ever been in a relationship.

“Almost, Maine was a romantic comedy about falling in love, and Love/Sick is an un-romantic comedy about being in love, and the complications that happen once you start throwing children, careers and expectations into the mix of a committed relationship,” Director Christopher Schario said. “‘Love/Sick’ addresses very real relationship issues in an entertaining, thoughtful and touching way, and we expect to hear a lot of ‘I can relate to that" sounds in our audience.’”

The script for “Love/Sick” has been in the development for the past year, and The Public Theatre is excited to be collaborating with the playwright during the rehearsal process as he finalizes the script. Director Christopher Schario met playwright John Cariani when he came to see The Public Theatre's highly successful production of ‘Almost, Maine,’ and have stayed in touch ever since.

“Not only is John a wonderful playwright and person,” Schario said, “but ‘Almost, Maine’ has gone on to become one of the most popular and produced plays in the country, and I think it's safe to say that John has become one of Maine's most valuable assets.”

“Love/Sick” features four actors playing various combinations of couples. Heather Dilly, William Peden, Sarah Corey, and Torsten Hillhouse are all professional actors from New York with a wide background of professional experience in theatre, film and TV. Corey and Dilly have appeared previously at The Public Theatre.

TPT audiences might recognize Corey from “Beau Jest,” and Dilly from “Indoor/Outdoor,” “Secrets of a Soccer Mom” and “Gun-Shy.” The set for “Love/Sick” is designed by Dan Bilodeau, lighting by Bart Garvey and costumes by Hannah Brown.

The Public Theatre was recently named best theater in Maine by the 2013 Down East Magazine readers' choice poll, and in the spirit of this award, The Public Theatre promises this to be their best season yet.

Season subscriptions, individual tickets, gift certificates, morning student matinees and group rates (for parties of 10 or more) are now on sale.

Performances for “Love/Sick” are October 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, Thursdat/Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., with an added matinee on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. Adults $20, Group Rate (10 or more) $16. For tickets call The Public Theatre Box Office at 207-782-3200 or visit www.thepublictheatre.org

The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple Street in downtown Lewiston.

The Public Theatre 2013-14 Season Underwriters: Platz Associates, Sun Journal, Down East Magazine, Austin Associates and Gleason Media Services.