To celebrate the milestone of its 40th year, Acadia Repertory Theatre (ART) is not only drawing together its usual talented company, along with equally talented newcomers, but is reaching into the past to bring back some of those whose work most made ART what it is today.

George Vafiadis, who was the founding artistic director of the Acadia Rep, will return to direct Noel Coward’s “Private Lives,” which he also staged in the theatre’s first season.

Wayne Loui, who was Distinguished Guest Director at ART for more than a quarter of a century, will be on hand to direct Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.”

And Ken Stack, who has been deeply involved with ART since 1974 but has been sighted only rarely in the past few years, will be back to direct a Children’s Theatre Production of “Charlotte’s Web,” and also will lead a talented cast in “And Then There Were None.”

Together, these three gentlemen have amassed more than 75 years’ experience at the Acadia Rep. “Their return promises to energize this summer like no other,” a spokesman said.

The season starts Tuesday, July 3, with Becky Mode’s 1998 comedy “Fully Committed.” It stars longtime Acadia Rep favorite David Blais as a struggling young New York actor who works at the reservation phone line of an extremely high-end restaurant. He must bring all his patience and wits to bear to deal with not only the rude and demanding customers who call, but also the dysfunctional staff and the narcissistic chef! The show runs until Sunday, July 15, with no performance on Wednesday, July 4.

Next up is “Almost, Maine,” a magical look at love under the Northern Lights. Touching and warmly funny, this play is a love letter to Maine that couldn’t be more appropriate for ART’s 40th anniversary. It runs from Tuesday, July 17, through Sunday, July 29.

Opening Tuesday, July 31, and running until Sunday, Aug. 12, is Noel Coward’s signature comedy “Private Lives,” a classic study of bad marriages colliding. Elyot and Amanda have been divorced for five years and both are on honeymoons in France with their new “trophy” spouses when they run into each other, and are reminded of all the reasons they loved and hated each other in the first place!

Mr. Vafiadis returns to direct this production, which he previously directed at ART in 1973 and 1979.

Closing out the season is the return of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” Previously known as “Ten Little Indians,” this is one of the best of Ms. Christie’s devilishly plotted murder mysteries. Directed by ART director Emeritus Wayne Loui, it will star Ken Stack, David Blais and Lila Dupree, and will run from Aug. 4 until Sept. 2.

Also on deck will be the return of Joseph Robinette’s adaptation of E. B. White’s beloved children’s story, “Charlotte’s Web.” As the Acadia Rep’s most-requested show, this production will delight audiences of all ages. It runs Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. from June 30 to Sept. 1, with no performance on Wednesday, July 4.

As always, the Acadia Rep offers season subscriptions at a 25-percent savings. For more information or reservations, call the box office at 244-7260, or visit  www.acadiarep.com.

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