The Performance Network Theatre opened its milestone 30th season with Time Stands Still, a drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies.

Set in recent years, the play centers around the conflicted romantic relationship between Sarah (Suzi Regan), a photojournalist who has been seriously injured in Iraq, and her long-term partner, James (John Lepard), a shell-shocked journalist who takes on the responsibility of caring for her as she recuperates.

Among the supporting cast are Richard (Hugh Maguire), an old friend and former romantic partner of Sarah's, and his much younger girlfriend, Mandy (Heidi Bennett), an event planner. Richard and Mandy have settled into a seemingly happily life together, while Sarah finds herself wanting to go back to the danger zone and continue her work. James, on the other hand, finds himself wanting something else entirely.

The script’s biggest strength lies in the fact that it sheds some light on the impact of war on the lives of people other than the soldiers, who are not as much in the spotlight but who nevertheless are witness to the carnage. We hear some of what is seen and heard in strong detail by those who document the war for posterity and in the hopes of raising social awareness.

As a whole, the ensemble plays well off each other, nicely defining all the character relationships between them. Margulies could have made some of the characters more three-dimensional, notably that of the young, idealistic Mandy. She nevertheless has a few shining moments, which Bennett does an admirable job of bringing out.

Happily, veteran film and television actor Maguire makes a return to Performance Network’s stage, having made a memorable appearance in the production of Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer two seasons ago. He brings a likable personality to Richard along with some charming touches of humor.

As Sarah, Regan has a lot of dry humor to deliver and makes good use of her comic timing, but ultimately, her performance is much more vivid in the play’s dramatic moments. Likewise, Lepard shines in his role as James when he has more intensely emotional scenes to play.

Performance Network’s always-impeccable technical elements boast an appealing set design by Sarah Tanner — a charming studio apartment that disguises the tumultuous goings-on within. Mary Cole’s lighting and Mary Copenhagen’s costumes bolster the mood and personality of the characters, respectively. Phil Powers’ well-thought-out sound design also contributes greatly to the overall atmosphere of the piece.

If this opening production is any indication, audiences certainly have much to look forward to this season from one of the best regional theaters around.

Time Stands Still continues at Performance Network through Oct. 23. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees at 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets may be purchased at performancenetwork.org or by calling 734-663-0681.