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The Ogunquit Playhouse Presents The Da Vinci Code, Tootsie, Singin’ in the Rain and More

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Ogunquit Playhouse, the crown jewel of the Maine Southern Seacoast and a renowned destination for regional theatre, is proud to announce a sensational 2023 mainstage season, featuring the American premiere of a new stage thriller based on a bestselling mystery novel, the stage adaptation of the #1 movie musical of all time, the irresistible story of a Cuban American music icon, the regional premiere of a beloved family musical comedy, and the extension of a Tony Award-winning Broadway hit. Ogunquit Playhouse’s 2023 lineup features the extended regional theater premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (May 11 – June 10), bringing back all of King’s greatest hits; Singin’ in the Rain (June 15 – July 15), the classic Comden & Green movie musical voted history’s top movie musical by AFI; the new international production of Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s On Your Feet! (July 20 – August 19), the true story of two Cuban immigrants’ improbable rise to mainstream music stardom; the American premiere of the new stage thriller The Da Vinci Code (August 24 – September 23), Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, based on the novel by Dan Brown’s best selling international phenomenon; and the regional premiere of Tootsie (September 28 – October 29), which transports frustrated actor Michael Dorsey from the hilarious ‘80s film to the competitive world of Broadway musical auditions. “Our 2023 season showcases the versatility and dependable high caliber of Ogunquit Playhouse’s theatrical offerings,” said Ogunquit Playhouse Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney. “When audiences made clear that they weren’t ready to say goodbye to Carole King last fall, we were happy to extend Beautiful to kick off this season. Bringing an old friend like Singin’ in the Rain to the stage is an enormous pleasure, and I can’t wait for a new generation of theatergoers to discover this classic, tap-dancing musical comedy. Then On Your Feet! will practically leap off the stage with an exuberant Latin music score, followed by the new thriller The Da Vinci Code, which we’re delighted to work with Simon Friend Entertainment in London and Dan Brown to bring to the US. Finally, we’ll bring the 2023 season home with the uproarious antics of Tootsie.” Ogunquit Playhouse Mainstage Extended Regional PremiereBeautiful: The Carole King MusicalMay 11 – June 10Opening night: May 13 Book by Douglas McGrathMusic and Lyrics by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Cynthia Weil, Barry Mann Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music; she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs, including “I Feel the Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and the title song, “Beautiful.” Singin’ in the RainJune 15 – July 15Opening night: June 17 Story by Betty Comden and Adolph Green,Lyrics by Arthur Freed, andMusic by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown.Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, by special arrangement withWarner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc.Music published by EMI, all rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC(Original Movie Choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen)Produced by Arrangement With Maurice Rosenfield, Lois F. Rosenfield and Cindy Pritzker, Inc. Experience the glitz and glamor of Hollywood’s Golden Age. In 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina LaMont are the toast of Tinseltown, that is until “talkies” arrive on the scene. Of course, you remember Gene Kelly splashing his way through this legendary MGM film, which AFI deemed the #1 movie musical in cinema history and “one of the most beloved films of all time.” Now experience it live and in person as we make it rain with this joyous and spectacular romantic musical comedy. The New International ProductionOn Your Feet!The Story of Emilio and Gloria EstefanJuly 20 – August 19Opening night: July 22 Book by Alexander Dinelaris JrMusic and Lyrics by Gloria Estefan, Emilio EstefanDirected and Choreographed by Luis Salgado Her Voice. His Vision. Their Story. Experience the extraordinary lives of Emilio and Gloria Estefan in this all-new international production of On Your Feet! Spotlighting the music of The Miami Sound Machine and Gloria’s iconic solo career — “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Coming Out of the Dark” — their story paved the way for the Latin music artists of today and cemented their place in music history. On Your Feet! is the powerful true story of love, Latin heritage, and the inspiring music of a family whose humble beginnings traversed seemingly impossible boundaries to claim global superstardom. American PremiereThe Da Vinci Code August 24 – September 23 Opening night: August 26 Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, based on the novel by Dan BrownDirected by Luke Sheppard (&Juliet) The curator of The Louvre has been brutally murdered, and alongside his body are a series of baffling codes. Follow the pulse-pounding journey of professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu, as they attempt to solve these riddles before a shocking historical secret is lost forever. Based on Dan Brown’s worldwide bestselling novel, with over 100 million copies sold, unlock the secrets of The Da Vinci Code in the American theatrical premiere of this international phenomenon. Regional PremiereTootsie September 28 – October 29Opening night: September 30 Book by Robert HornMusic and Lyrics by David Yazbek A Tony Award-winning, laugh-out-loud love letter to musical theatre. Director Sydney Pollack’s celebrated 1982 film — which won the Golden Globe for Best Picture, Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), and Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Lange) — takes struggling actor Michael Dorsey out of the world of daytime television and into the realm of Broadway with even more poignant and hilarious results. Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music HallMillion Dollar QuartetMarch 22 – April 9Book by Colin Escott and Floyd MutruxOriginal concept and direction by Floyd MutruxInspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins Ogunquit Playhouse’s 2023 season runs May 11 through October 29, with five mainstage shows, two Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall offerings, and more. Season passes go on sale today, member pre-sale begins March 21, and single tickets go on sale March 28. For more information, visit ogunquitplayhouse.org. For 91 years, Ogunquit Playhouse has been the artistic gateway to Maine’s southern seacoast, self-producing world-class Regional Theatre and inclusive Arts Education programs, nurturing a creative and communal hearth for all ages. This power coupling of The Playhouse and a quaint seaside village offers visitors and locals a wealth of fabulous experiences. Ogunquit is more than just a beach community, but a destination within a destination for vacationers from around the world. Visit ogunquitplayhouse.org and follow @ogunquitplayhouse on all social media platforms.

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Music

Florence Welch, Martyna Majok, Rachel Chavkin and More On New Musical Gatsby Coming To A.R.T

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Florence Welch Photo by De Wilde

Producers Amanda Ghost and Len Blavatnik for Unigram/Access Entertainment, Jordan Roth, and American Repertory Theater(A.R.T.) at Harvard University announced today that Gatsby, a brand-new musical stage adaptation of the legendary F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, will make its highly anticipated World Premiere at A.R.T. in 2024, and will be directed by Tony Award® winner Rachel Chavkin and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh.

Rachel Chavkin Photo Credit Erik Tanner

Gatsby will feature music by Florence Welch, the Grammy Award-nominated international rock star of Florence + the Machine and Thomas Bartlett, the Oscar and Grammy Award nominee, with lyrics by Ms. Welch, and a book by Pulitzer Prize® winner Martyna Majok.

Martyna Majok by Josiah Bania

Gatsby will be produced at American Repertory Theater by special arrangement with Amanda Ghost and Len Blavatnik for Unigram/Access Entertainment, and Jordan Roth, in association with Robert Fox. Hannah Giannoulis serves as co-producer.

Sonya Tayeh

American Repertory Theater (Diane Paulus, Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director; Kelvin Dinkins, Jr., Executive Director) at Harvard University produces groundbreaking work to catalyze dialogue and transformation. Tony Award-winning and nominated productions include Jagged Little PillWaitressNatasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812; All the Way; The Glass Menagerie; Pippin; Once; and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Its revival of 1776, a co-production with Roundabout Theatre Company, is currently touring nationally. Learn more at AmericanRepertoryTheater.org.

Thomas Bartlett Photo Credit York Tillyer

Additional Gatsby news will be announced soon.

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Music

Reading For Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen and Ann McNamee New Musical Other World

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Other World, a new musical with an original score and story by Tony Award Nominee Hunter Bell (book), Obie Award winner Jeff Bowen (music and lyrics), and singer-songwriter and author Ann McNamee(music and lyrics) will present invite-only staged readings on Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17 at Open Jar Studios in New York City. With direction by Jenn Rapp (The Illusionists Director/Choreographer) and choreography by Karla Puno Garcia (Tick, Tick … BOOM! film, Kennedy Center Honors), Other World is being developed in creative consultation with the five-time Academy Award winning WĒTĀ Workshop (The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies).

Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen and Ann McNamee

One moment Sri and Lorraine are in a garage on Earth. The next, they’re unexpectedly transported into Sri’s favorite video game, Other World. Now trapped in the game and in a race against the clock, this unlikely pair must work together, discover their inner strengths, and connect with gifted gamers and astonishing avatars in order to survive and find a way home. With art direction provided by Academy Award–winning Wētā Workshop (The Lord of the RingsAvatar), this heartfelt, humorous musical explores the connections we make on- and off-line, while celebrating the families and friendships we need to thrive in any world. Join us for this spectacular, original, otherwordly adventure. Your journey begins…now!

The cast features Micah Beauvais (Sri), Bella Coppola (Lorraine), Ryan Andes (Roman/Antagon), Madeleine Doherty (Myra), Kaden Kearney (Tris), Brandi Porter (Temula), Mikaela Secada (Jamie), with Sojouner Brown, Elena Camp, Sommer Carbuccia, Laura Dadap, Seth Rettberg, Sherisse Springer, Blake Stadnik, Levin Valayil, and Jason Williams.

The creative team for the developmental presentation also features music direction by Amanda Morton (KPOP), casting by Paul Hardt Casting (Once Upon A One More Time), video design by Khristian Bork (Coco live at the Hollywood Bowl, Danny Elfman – Coachella), sound design by Hidenori Nakajo (Octet), and general management by Alchemy Production Group (The Music Man, Come From Away).  The Executive Producer is Lauren Tucker/Alchemy Production Group.

For more information about the show, visit https://otherworldmusical.com/

Hunter Bell (Book) earned an OBIE Award, a Drama League nomination, a GLAAD Media nomination, and a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical, all for the original Broadway musical [title of show]. Other credits include the books for Silence! The Musical (Lucille Lortel Nomination, Outstanding Musical), Now. Here. This. (Vineyard Theatre), Bellobration! (Ringling Bros. Circus), Villains Tonight! (Disney Cruise Lines), Found (Atlantic Theater, Drama Desk Nomination, Outstanding Book of a Musical), and Julie Andrews’ The Great American Mousical (Goodspeed). He is a co-creator of the web series “the [title of show] show” and has developed television with ABC Studios/ABC Television. Hunter is a proud graduate and distinguished alumnus of Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts, a member of the Dramatists Guild, Writers Guild, a MacDowell Fellow, and currently serves on the board of the Educational Theatre Association and Educational Theatre Foundation, national arts advocacy organizations representing theatre teachers and students.

Jeff Bowen (Music and Lyrics) wrote the music and lyrics for and starred in the Broadway musical [title of show] (OBIE Award) and Now. Here. This. Additionally, he has written music and lyrics for Now. Here. This. (Vineyard Theatre), Villains Tonight! (Walt Disney Company), and the theme songs for the web series “the [title of show] show” and “Squad ’85.” His songs can be heard on the original cast albums of [title of show], Now. Here. This., as well as Broadway Bares Openingsand Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project. He is a proud member of ASCAP, AEA, Writers Guild, Dramatists Guild, and the National Audubon Society. He serves as a faculty member of the National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center.

Ann McNamee(Music and Lyrics) received a B.A. from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. in Music Theory from Yale University, leading to a twenty-year career in teaching, choral conducting, and music research at Swarthmore College. After retiring as Professor Emerita, Ann composed for, sang, played keys, and toured with the Flying Other Brothers and Moonalice, both bands led by her husband Roger McNamee. She composed the majority of the songs on the Moonalice album that was part of T Bone Burnett’s nomination for Producer of the Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards. For the Lilith Fair tour in 2010, she fronted the band Ann Atomic. Another highlight was opening up for U2 at the Oakland Coliseum in November 2011. She retired from touring in 2012 in order to collaborate on musical theater projects full-time. Ann’s outside interests include co-founding the Haight Street Art Center, a community center/poster music/print shop to celebrate rock poster art in the Bay Area.

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The Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away Sails Into Arena Stage This Fall

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Swept Away, the new musical written by Tony Award winner John Logan (book) and “America’s biggest roots band” (Rolling Stone), The Avett Brothers (music and lyrics), was announced today as part of the  2023/24 season at Arena Stage, Washington, DC (Molly Smith, Artistic Director; Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer).  Performances will begin November 25 and will continue through December 30. Tony Award winner Michael Mayer will direct the production as he had last year in the musical’s sold-out world premiere at Berkeley Rep. The Arena Stage engagement will feature an updated score with additional, never-before-heard songs. Swept Away is produced by Special Arrangement with Matthew Masten, Sean Hudock, and Madison Wells Live.


Swept Away
 is set in 1888, off the coast of New Bedford, MA. When a violent storm sinks their whaling ship, the four surviving souls — a young man in search of adventure, his older brother who has sworn to protect him, a captain at the end of a long career at sea, and a worldly first mate who has fallen from grace — each face a reckoning: How far will I go to stay alive? And can I live with the consequences?


Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, under the leadership of Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie, is a national center dedicated to American voices and artists. Arena Stage produces plays of all that is passionate, profound, deep and dangerous in the American spirit, and presents diverse and ground-breaking work from some of the best artists around the country. Arena Stage is committed to commissioning and developing new plays and impacting the lives of over 10,000 students annually through its work in community engagement. Now in its eighth decade, Arena Stage serves a diverse annual audience of more than 300,000. arenastage.org

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