It’s Midcoast Maine in midwinter, and at last, there is time to slow down a bit: to read, visit, reflect and enjoy. Perfect timing for Heartwood Regional Theater Company’s, two poignant, insightful and engaging staged readings, running in repertory January 24 through February 2.

Make no mistake. These are not just readings.

Actors will be well rehearsed, and several are actually returning to these same roles from previous performances with Heartwood.

“This is great material, and I'm excited to bring it back to our stage, this winter,” Artistic Director Griff Braley said. “Returning actors are finding wonderful depth and nuances in their characters, and the actors new to these texts are delving straight into the richness of the words and relationships. The result will be dynamic and riveting.”

“Molly Sweeney,” by Irish playwright Brian Friel, surprised and delighted audiences as Heartwood’s very first “Janu-Drama,” performed in January of 2004. Friel is best known for his stunning use of language and image, as he delves into human issues of love, memory and self realization.

Two of the three original cast members, Dixie Weisman and John Strong, will reprise their original roles, joined by well known actor Tom Handel, making his first appearance with Heartwood.

“Molly Sweeney” tells the story of its title character, a woman blind since infancy, who undergoes an operation to restore her sight. Molly's story unravels through the riveting monologues of three related characters: Molly (Weisman), her husband Frank (Strong), and her surgeon, Mr. Rice (Handel).

“Eleemosynary” (e-li-mä-sə-ner-ē), by author Lee Blessing, staged by Heartwood at Skidompha in 2008, will return with original reader Susan Goodwillie Stedman, along with Elise Voigt and Rowan Carroll-Christopher.

“Eleemosynary” helps us to understanding the power of language and relationships in our lives. Staged with utmost simplicity, the play probes into the delicate relationship of three singular women: the grandmother, Dorothea (Stedman), who has asserted her independence through strong-willed eccentricity; her brilliant daughter, Artie (Voigt), who fled the stifling domination of her mother; and Artie's daughter, Echo (Carroll-Christopher), a child of exceptional intellect and sensitivity, whom Artie abandoned to an upbringing by Dorothea.

Readings will run for two weekends only in the Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy. Audiences can expect quick and easy entry to the Poe Theater Lobby, as it has been reconfigured to accommodate winter performances. The theater is located at 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle.

“Molly Sweeney” will be presented January 24 or February 1 at 7 p.m. or at 1:30 p.m. on February 2 and “Eleemosynary” on January 25 and 31 at 7 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on February 1.

Seating is general, though special arrangements may be made at the time of reservation. Tickets are $12/adults and $8/students. Early reservations are strongly suggested, by phoning 207-563-1373 or emailing boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org.

For show synopsis, venue directions and general info, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org. Performances are sponsored by Season Sponsor, Bath Savings Institution and Show Sponsor, The Bank of Maine. Plays are produced by special permission with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.