Ivey has won Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her Broadway performances in “Steaming” and “Hurlyburly.”

The Public Theatre will have audiences forgetting those winter blues when it presents the New England premiere of the smart and sassy play “The Ladies Foursome” January 22 through 31. Written by Canada’s most produced playwright, Norm Foster, this fast-paced comedy juxtaposes belly laughs and touching moments to appeal to anyone who appreciates the joys and sorrows of friendship.

The play centers on three friends who gather together to play a final round of golf in honor of their recently deceased fourth partner and close friend. Joined by an unknown friend of the deceased, these four women banter, tease and tee off about love, sex, motherhood and careers, learning about themselves and each other as they celebrate the bonds of friendship that link women together.

The production will be directed by noted actress Judith Ivey, who has won Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her Broadway performances in “Steaming” and “Hurlyburly.” Ivey is known for her numerous roles on stage, in film and on television, including recurring roles on “Will and Grace” and “Designing Women.” Her directing credits include numerous regional and Off-Broadway theatres.

The cast includes Brigitte Viellieu-Davis as Connie, a promiscuous television news anchor; Tarah Flanagan as Tate, a stay-at-home mom married to a surgeon; Janet Mitchko as Margot, a divorced workaholic who runs a construction company; and Caralyn Kozlowski as Dory, the “new” fourth. The set portraying the indoor golf course where the play takes place is designed by Kit Mayer, with lighting design by Bart Garvey and costume design by Jonna Klaiber.

With this production, the Public Theatre continues its ongoing PLAY PAL program designed to bring together solo theatre-goers. On January 28, the theatre will combine its PLAY PAL program with a newly added 7:30 p.m. Wine-Down Thursday performance, which will include a free, pre-show wine-tasting hosted by Rails Restaurant starting at 6:30. Open to the entire audience, this meet and mingle will be a great way to make new friends or to socialize with those you came with.

Performances will take place on January 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 31, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with an added 3 p.m. matinee on January 30. Tickets are $20 for adults, with a special rate of $17 for those attending in groups of ten or more. The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple Street in downtown Lewiston. For tickets, call the box office at 782-3200 or see www.thepublictheatre.org.