LEWISTON — The Public Theatre, Lewiston-Auburn’s professional theater, presents the New England premiere of Michael Hollinger’s “Under the Skin,” a funny, powerful and provocative new play that explores the complicated connection between parents and children.

The play will run from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5.

Raina’s ailing father needs her kidney. But he’s been a lousy dad, so she’s not too convinced he’s “kidney-worthy.”

The play asks how can we get to a place of generosity with the people who have let us down? What IS our responsibility to our parents and theirs to us, and why is it so hard to act like an adult when our parents are in the room?

The road to understanding is paved with surprises, as this insightful new play asks, “What does it really mean to be connected to someone else?”

“This play will hit home with just about every living, breathing, human being who has ever been or had a parent,” Director Janet Mitchko said. “This play is not about a kidney. It’s about another organ — the human heart.”

The professional cast features New York actors Doug Rees as father Lou, Annie Grier as his daughter, Raina, and Melissa Maxwell, who performs three roles as Marlene, the loving mother; a transplant physician; and the world’s most passive-aggressive coffee barista.

Washington, D.C.-based actor Jon Hudson Odom plays both Jarrell, Marlene’s son, and Lou’s nurse, Hector. The set is by Kit Mayer, lighting design by Bart Garvey and costume design by Jonna Klaiber.

The Public Theatre will continue its free pre-show wine-tasting starting at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby, provided by Rails Restaurant, before the performance on Thursday, Feb. 2.

“Under the Skin” will be performed at The Public Theatre from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinee showing at 2 p.m. with an added Saturday matinee on Feb. 4 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 each for groups and $5 for those 18 and under. For tickets, visit thepublictheatre.org or call 207-782-3200. The Public Theatre is at 31 Maple St. Lewiston.

“Under the Skin” is sponsored by Butler Bros., Cross Insurance, Rent-It and Mainebiz.

Season underwriters are Platz Associates, Sun Journal, Austin Associates, Maine Magazine, and radio stations Maine’s Big Z105.5 and The OX 96.9.