PRESS KIT

2016 SEASON PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES ITS 2016 SEASON LINEUP INCLUDING TWO REGIONAL PREMIERES AND THE RETURN OF THE MEGA-HIT MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET! The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to announce its 2016 lineup that includes two regional premieres, two beloved classics, one international sensation and the return of the smash hit Million Dollar Quartet. The season once again extends longer than ever, opening one week earlier on May 18 and running to November 6, also a week longer than ever, bringing the season to a record 25 weeks of non-stop entertainment with Let it Be – A Celebration of the Music of The Beatles, Anything Goes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on stage at the Playhouse. The season will stretch to the holidays once again with a show in collaboration with The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to be announced at a later date. “As we continue to push our season out farther each year, we are also very proud to continue to mount some of the newest titles and freshest shows from Broadway and London, as well as creating all new productions of two of the most beloved stage classics. We are particularly proud to have been selected as one of the first regional theatres in the country to produce the brand-new musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame. We will be mounting this epic musical that our audiences will be among the first in the nation to see,” explains Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney. Opening the Ogunquit Playhouse season is the international musical sensation LET IT BE – A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES rocking the stage from May 18 to June 11. This exciting tribute show follows the Fab Four’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the heights of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces. Let It Be is jam-packed with over forty of The Beatles’ greatest hits including “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You” and “Drive My Car,’ as well as global mega-hits “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” “Come Together” and, of course, “Let It Be.” Next on stage is the delightful ANYTHING GOES, June 15 to July 9. This splendid and saucy musical comedy is one of the most enjoyable stage musicals ever created, as well as the winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as three unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a tap-dancing crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Topping off the fun is Cole Porter’s delightful, delicious, “DeLovely” first-class score that includes some of musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “You’re The Top,” and of course, “Anything Goes.” The Ogunquit Playhouse is proud to be the New England premiere and one of the first regional theatres in the U.S. to produce the brand-new musical THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME for its stage July 13 to August 6. This epic and emotionally charged retelling of the famous Victor Hugo love story of the beautiful gypsy girl Esmeralda, the scorned bell-ringer Quasimodo and the dashing Captain Phoebus set in 15th century Paris, has been created by two masters of stage and screen, composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Aladdin) and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin). Hunchback marks the first time the two Broadway veterans join forces to adapt a story for the musical stage. The music's orchestral power and choral beauty along with bold and dramatic theatrics create a powerful rendition of this timeless tale that is sure to leave audiences breathless.

2016 SEASON PRESS RELEASE

The Ogunquit Playhouse is also proud to produce the regional premiere of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT on stage from August 10 to September 3. Get ready to put your glitter on and take the ride of your life with the hilarious and heartwarming Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, based on the Oscar winning film, that follows the fabulous journey of three performers who hop on board a battered old bus and take their show to the Australian Outback. Amidst the non-stop dazzling array of over 500 imaginative and outrageous costumes, 200 headdresses and the non-stop hit parade of hit dance numbers from the 70s and 80s, this triumphant trio finds love, friendship and more than they ever hoped for along the way. Hit songs from Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper and many other pop-stars include “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” “Like a Prayer,” “Material Girl,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “True Colors,” and “I Love The Nightlife.” This wildly fresh and fun musical is a journey to the heart of fabulous! Pull up your boots and hold onto your hats when SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS hits the stage September 7 to October 1. This all-dancing, all-singing, all-new production of the rip-roarin' musical comedy classic bursts onto the stage with rambunctious energy. This big, brawling, rollicking show is set in 1850s Oregon Territory and tells the story of Adam Pontipee and his backwoods brothers' unusual pursuit of brides. When Adam goes to town to get a wife, he miraculously convinces Milly to marry him that same day, and she immediately starts reforming her six rowdy brothers-in-law. When her plan to marry off the boys backfires, this exuberant, rousing musical kicks into high gear with a combination of daredevil dancing and wonderful songs like "Goin' Courtin" and "Wonderful Wonderful Day." Elvis, Jerry Lee, Perkins and Cash return by popular demand! MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the bestselling show in the history of the Playhouse, hits the stage October 5 to November 6 with the 2015 cast to once again rock out the season with one mega-hit song after the next. Audiences were jumping to their feet and dancing in the aisles for Million Dollar Quartet, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, friendships and celebrations, featuring timeless hits such as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," "I Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Fever," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and more. This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night. It was rock ‘n’ roll's best kept secret... until now! Mark your calendars now and get ready to see every show this year. Season tickets are on sale now and are the best way to guarantee the best seats for the lowest price, starting at only $215 for a five-show or $129 for a three-show Super Saver package. Individual tickets are on sale and prices start at $47 each. To learn more about becoming a Playhouse member, or to purchase tickets and gift cards, visit OgunquitPlayhouse.org or call the Ogunquit Playhouse Box Office at 207-646-5511.

AVAILABLE ONLINE | OgunquitPlayhouse.org/2016-press/season

ABOUT THE

OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE The Ogunquit Playhouse is one of Maine’s cultural jewels and a cornerstone of America’s theatrical heritage. It has produced professional theatre since 1933 and continues to produce large scale Broadway musicals on its stage today. The list of show business legends that have graced its historic stage reads like a who’s who of Broadway and Hollywood, including Bette Davis, Myrna Loy, William Powell and Van Johnson from the early days and, more recently, Sally Struthers, Stefanie Powers, Carson Kressley, Valerie Harper and Charles Shaughnessy. The Ogunquit Playhouse remains unparalleled in its commitment to create the highest quality theatre, with the best talent from Broadway, television and film on its stage. Each show is produced, rehearsed and uniquely cast for its stage and audiences. Come see the shows at the Ogunquit Playhouse and experience as-big-as Broadway productions in a unique National Historic Register building in a beautiful pastoral setting. Don’t miss your opportunity to see every spectacular show – you are sure to have a great time! LEARN MORE | ONLINE: OgunquitPlayhouse.org/about OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE 10 Main Street (US Rte 1), Ogunquit, ME. The Ogunquit Playhouse is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway shows each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from late-May through October. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/ OgunquitPlayhouse) and Twitter (@OgunquitPH) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun all year. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information visit OgunquitPlayhouse.org or call the Box Office at 207-646-5511.

Million Dollar Quartet, 2015. Nice Work if You Can Get It, 2015. Mary Poppins, 2014. West Side Story, 2013 (Natalie Caruncho, Ashley Marinelli, Gabrielle Ruiz, Chloe Campbell).

PLAYHOUSE HISTORY Broadway showman Walter Hartwig and his wife Maude established the Playhouse in a small renovated garage in the center of Ogunquit in 1933 and four years later built the state of the art theatre in its present day location. In 1950, a young actor, John Lane, became General Manager and eventually took ownership of the Ogunquit Playhouse bringing in business partner Henry Weller to oversee the operations. Through their dedicated direction, professional integrity and impeccable taste, the Ogunquit Playhouse legacy of excellence continued through the twentieth century. John Lane retired in 1997 after transferring ownership to the not-for-profit foundation that oversees the Ogunquit Playhouse today. The Ogunquit Playhouse transitioned to an all musical format when the newly appointed Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney assumed the reigns. Under Mr. Kenney’s leadership, the Playhouse continues to push the boundaries of a summer theatre by extending the season further into the fall year and year, making it a true regional theatre. He continues to negotiate the brightest Broadway titles for the Ogunquit stage and attract top creative team members and talent direct from Broadway, television and film, ensuring that the Playhouse will continue to thrive for future generations. The past few years have seen recording-breaking crowds and shows, a flourishing partnership with The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH, and many accolades and awards. For the 2016 season, the Ogunquit Playhouse will extend the season into November for the first time. LEARN MORE | in the PLAYBILL and ONLINE: OgunquitPlayhouse.org/about/history

Original home in downtown Ogunquit. 1933-1936 • New home at the old Weare Farm on Rte 1 circa 1937 • Walter Hartwig • John Lane. Billy Elliot, 2014 with Noah Parets • Nice Work..., 2016 with Sally Struthers • Bradford T. Kenney, Executive Artistic Director, 2006-Present

SOME OF THE MANY STARS WHO HAVE GRACED OUR STAGE! Maude Adams Edie Adams Clay Aiken Steve Allen Eve Arden John Astin Mary Astor Daisy Atherton Conrad Bain Fay Bainter Tallulah Bankhead James Barbour Ethel Barrymore Orson Bean Ed Begley Barbara Bel Geddes Karen Black Joan Blondell Shirley Booth Billie Burke Spring Byington Kitty Carlisle Art Carney Leo G. Carroll Pat Carroll Shaun Caassidy Ruth Chatterton Imogene Coca Francis Compton Hume Cronyn Ann B. Davis Bette Davis

Dolores Del Rio Gabriel Dell Bob Denver Patty Duke Buddy Ebsen Cass Elliot Georgia Engel Leif Erickson Tom Ewell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Jamie Farr Joan Fontaine Hunter Foster Kay Francis Arlene Francis Larry Gates John Gavin Will Geer Hermione Gingold Dorothy Gish Lillian Gish Ruth Gordon Farley Granger Merv Griffin Stephen Hanna Valerie Harper Helen Hayes Celeste Holm Libby Holman Edward Everett Horton Glynis Johns Van Johnson

Howard Keel Larry Kert Charles Kimbrough Richard Kind Carson Kressley Lorenzo Lamas John Lane Michele Lee Robert Sean Leonard Beatrice Lillie Myrna Loy Allen Ludden James MacArthur Gavin MacLeod Jefferson Mays Andrea McArdle Rue McClanahan Eddie Mekka Paolo Montalban Douglass Montgomery Gary Moore Edward Mulhare Maureen O'Sullivan Jerry Orbach Betsy Palmer Tony Perkins Christopher Plummer Stefanie Powers Anthony Quinn John Raitt Basil Rathbone Eugenia Rawls Lynn Redgrave Carl Benton Reid Elliot Reid Cesar Romero Ivan Rutherford

Eva Marie Saint Peter Scolari William Shatner Charles Shaughnessy Carole Shelley Cybill Shepherd Cornelia Otis Skinner Alexis Smith Rex Smith Joey Sorge Ruth St. Denis Robert Stack Jean Stapleton Frances Sternhagen Michael Strange Elaine Stritch Sally Struthers Jessica Tandy Laurette Taylor Renee Taylor Phyllis Thaxter Arthur Treacher Leslie Uggams Vivian Vance Ethel Waters Dennis Weaver Clifton Webb Betty White Fay Wray Rachel York

MORE STARS ONLINE OgunquitPlayhouse.org/ 2016-press under Cast Archives

Bette Davis, Tallulah Bankhead, Anthony Quinn, Steve McQueen, Betty White, Walter Matthau, Cybill Shepherd, Stefanie Powers, Valerie Harper, Sally Struthers

PAST SHOWS Executive Artistic Director Bradford T. Kenney

2006 Beehive, The 60s Musical Cabaret Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Hello, Dolly! Menopause, The Musical

2007 Menopause The Musical (Revival) The Full Monty Crazy for You La Cage aux Folles The King and I Hairspray The Full Monty (Revival)

2008 Fiddler on the Roof The Producers Breaking Up is Hard to Do My Fair Lady Les Misérables Disney High School Musical

2009 A Chorus Line SHOUT! The Mod Musical Guys and Dolls Singin’ in the Rain All Shook Up Disney High School Musical

2010 The Drowsy Chaperone The Sound of Music Sunset Blvd. Monty Python’s SPAMALOT Chicago

2011 Avenue Q Summer of Love The Music Man Legally Blonde the Musical Miss Saigon Pinkalicious

2012 Always, Patsy Cline South Pacific Damn Yankees 9 to 5 the Musical Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story

2013 The Rat Pack Is Back Thoroughly Modern Millie Young Frankenstein Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat West Side Story Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story

2014 Grease Mary Poppins Billy Elliot The Musical The Witches of Eastwick: A Musical Comedy The Addams Family The Musical

2015 Sister Act Victor/Victoria Nice Work If You Can Get It Million Dollar Quartet Saturday Night Fever White Christmas (at The Music Hall)

MORE ONLINE | COMPLETE LIST: OgunquitPlayhouse.org/2016-press under Show Archives

E R T A E H T S ’ N E R CHILD FUN FOR ALL AGES:

CHILDREN’S THEATRE LIVE ON STAGE! JULY 2 AT 10AM & 1PM | JULY 3 AT 10AM The jungle is jumpin' with a jazzy beat in Disney's The Jungle Book Kids. The exciting Disney classic brings to life the familiar characters and adventures of the movie. Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Kahn. This musical was specially adapted from the beloved film and includes all your favorite Disney tunes like “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” This production is ideal for kids of all ages, so be sure to bring the whole family out to experience this exciting adventure in the jungle!

JULY 23 AT 10AM & 1PM | JULY 24 AT 10AM Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture featuring the enormously popular songs that include, "Part of Your World" and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea," and delightfully charming book and lyrics. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home - and her fins - behind and live in the world above. But first she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.

JULY 30 AT 10AM & 1PM | JULY 31 AT 10AM Pirates, treasure maps, and mutiny on the high seas set the stage for this thrilling musical based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic story about Jim Hawkins, an ordinary boy drawn into a dangerous race for buried treasure against the treacherous Long John Silver. As the author himself wrote, "If this don't fetch the kids, why, they have gone rotten since my day." Excitement runs high in this musical adaptation of a favorite childhood adventure story.

AUG 20 AT 10AM & 2PM | AUG 21 AT 10AM The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in this electrifying brand new musical based on the popular Paramount film written by Mike White and starring Jack Black, and the current Broadway musical produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, however instead of teaching he turns his class into a guitar-shredding, bassslapping, mind-blowing rock band. Featuring a sensational live all-kid rock band playing fourteen new songs composed by Webber, along with all the original songs from the hit movie, it is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DIRECT FROM LONDON'S WEST END AND BROADWAY THE INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT LET IT BE – A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES KICKS OFF THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE 2016 SEASON The Ogunquit Playhouse kicks off its 84th season with the international smash hit direct from London's West End and Broadway, Let It Be – A Celebration of the Music of The Beatles, rocking the stage from May 18 to June 11. This exciting tribute show follows the Fab Four’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the heights of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces. Let It Be is jam-packed with over forty of The Beatles’ greatest hits including “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You” and “Drive My Car,” as well as global mega-hits “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” “Come Together,” and, of course, “Let It Be.” This entertaining show has been seen by over two million people worldwide and touted by the New York Times as “Outstanding! By far the best Beatles show yet!” The cast of Let It Be includes Michael Gagliano, who has is spent the last 15 years perfecting his performances of the Beatle’s music on some of the world’s biggest stages from Liverpool’s Cavern Club to the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, as well as on television all over the world; Neil Candelora, who as a six year old he saw a recording of The Beatles performing on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and decided to learn to play guitar left handed; JT Curtis, who made his Broadway debut in Let It Be and has performed with several Beatles tribute acts from Los Angeles to New York; Chris McBurney, who also reprises his role from the Broadway production of Let It Be and has toured as a drummer and multi-instrumentalist all over North America, Europe and Japan with numerous acts, while continuing to perform and record in New York. The Music Director for Let It Be is Daniel A. Weiss, a New York City based musician who was most recently seen music directing and arranging for a sold out performance of West End Recast in London, a concert featuring many of the West End's finest singers. Mr. Weiss was the assistant musical director and associate conductor for the original Broadway company of Rent. He has a multitude of Broadway credits for both conducting and/or performing, including Let It Be, Motown the Musical, Godspell, Hair, Taboo, Hairspray and Brooklyn. Mark your calendars now and get ready to see every show this year. Season tickets are on sale now and are the best way to guarantee the best seats for the lowest price, starting at only $215 for a five-show or $129 for a three-show Super Saver package. Individual tickets are on sale and prices start at $47 each. To learn more about becoming a Playhouse member, or to purchase tickets and gift cards, visit OgunquitPlayhouse.org or call the Ogunquit Playhouse Box Office at 207-646-5511.

SHOW PHOTOS & INFO PRESS PHOTOS (HI-RES) | ONLINE: OgunquitPlayhouse.org/2016-press/Let-It-Be ADDITIONAL SHOW PHOTOS (WEB) | ONLINE: OgunquitPlayhouse.org/2016/Let-It-Be CAST & CREATIVE BIOS | in the PLAYBILL and ONLINE: OgunquitPlayhouse.org/2016/Let-It-Be DIRECTOR'S NOTES | in the PLAYBILL BRAD KENNEY'S LETTER | in the PLAYBILL ABOUT THE SHOW | in the PLAYBILL and ONLINE: OgunquitPlayhouse.org/2016/Let-It-Be

THANKS FOR JOINING US! 207.646.5511 OgunquitPlayhouse.org Rte 1 Ogunquit, ME