A heartfelt, humorous love story with a cultural twist planned at The Public Theatre

“Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World” cast from left are Ahmad Maher as Musa, Aline Salloum as Gamila, Ithamar Francois as Tayyib, Ian Eaton as Abdallah, and Laura King Otazo as Sheri. Submitted photo

The Public Theatre plans to present the Maine premiere of “Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World,” a romantic, funny and heartfelt love story with a cultural twist.

Performances are set for March 3-12, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St. in Lewiston.

Musa, a sweet-natured immigrant cab driver and semi-practicing Muslim, and Sheri, a sassy American waitress, must negotiate the twists and turns of love and cultural differences. Winner of the Steinberg New American Play Award, this honest, funny and thought-provoking romantic comedy looks at the things which draw people together as much as pull them apart.

This play follows the story of three Muslim immigrants — an Egyptian cab driver and his Somali and Sudanese friends, who make a new life for themselves in an American city. This charming play asks, how much of who we are is where we have come from and the expectations that are placed on us? Must we represent the customs and culture we were raised in, or can we explore a new way of life in a new land? The playwright Yussef El Guindi, an Egyptian immigrant himself, calls this play, “A love letter to the immigrant experience”.

Seattle based Playwright Yussef El Guindi will also be traveling to Lewiston to see the production and participate in the free Sunday Post-show discussion.

The central role of Musa will be played by Ahmad Maher. Ahmad is an Egyptian born, NYC based actor who has performed in a variety of countries including Egypt, Sweden and the United States. He is a recent recipient of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance. His American love interest Sheri will be played by New York actress Laura King-Otazo. Ithamar Francois will play Musa’s Somali friend Tayyib and Ian Eaton will be portraying his Sudanese friend Abdallah. Aline Salloum will play Gamila, an American raised Egyptian.

The New York City set is designed by Michael Reidy, lights by Matthew Cost, costumes by Kathleen P. Brown and sound by composer/designer Scott O’Brien.

The production is sponsored by Androscoggin Bank, Butler Bros and Cross Insurance.

Tickets cost $25 for adults, or a group rate of $22.

Tickets can be purchased online at thepublictheatre.org or by calling 207-782-3200.