From left: Cast members Rebecca Hart, Joseph Tisa, Anna O’Donoghue, and Noah Witke, from the Public Theatre’s upcoming production of “Tigers Be Still,” opening Friday, January 24.

If the idea of facing a new day has ever sent you back to bed, start your New Year off with a smile by seeing The Public Theatre’s production of the quirky and uplifting off-Broadway comedy “Tigers Be Still.”

Running January 24 through February 2, the play provides a heartfelt and humorous look at how we survive the tough moments in life and help each other get back in the game. With the success of the play in New York, playwright Kim Rosenstock has since become a writer on HBO’s “Girls.”

The Wickman women are having a bad day. Twenty-four year old Sherry has a Masters degree in Art Therapy – which means she’s unemployed and living back at home. Her recently jilted sister is already there, glued to the couch, nursing her broken heart with endless replays of “Top Gun” and a bottle of scotch. Then there is mom, too embarrassed by her recent weight gain to come downstairs, but all too willing to reach the living room via cell phone.

“The great thing about this play is the way it finds humor in heartbreak and seamlessly combines comedy and drama,” says director Christopher Schario. “It ultimately has a very sweet and uplifting message about how it is our friends and family members, and our connections to each other, that get us through the tough moments in life.”

Playing the pivotal role of art therapist Sherry Wickman is Anna O’Donoghue. Anna has appeared on Broadway in a production of Tom Stoppard’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll” under director Trevor Nunn and off-Broadway in the critically acclaimed production of “Eurydice” at Second Stage.

Playing the role of her couch potato sister Grace is Rebecca Hart. Rebecca has appeared in the film “Young Adult,” as well as in many theatres in New York and across the country.

Playing the role of Zach, an eighteen year old with anger management issues destined to become Sherry’s first art therapy client, is Noah Witke. Noah is a recent graduate of the acting program at Juilliard. Playing Zach’s father Joseph is actor Joseph Tisa.

All four New York actors will be making their first appearance at The Public Theatre and are looking forward to being part of the cultural life of Lewiston-Auburn. The imaginative set design for the production was created by Kit Mayer, the lighting design is by Bart Garvey, and the costume design is by Joan Mather.

The Public Theatre is a professional equity theatre and the current winner of the Reader’s Poll Award from Down East Magazine for Best Theatre in Maine.

Performances of “Tigers Be Still” will take place on January 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, and February 1 and 2. Thursday and Friday shows are at 7:30 p.m., Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. An additional Saturday matinee will take place on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m.

The play contains some adult language. Tickets are $20 for adults and only $5 for youth under age 18. A special rate of $16 per person is available for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 782-3200 or see www.thepublictheatre.org.