The historic Ogunquit Playhouse is offering backstage tours and has produced the finest Broadway shows for 85 years, showcasing more than 300 Broadway, television and film stars on its stage. SUBMITTED PHOTO
The historic theatre is one of Maine’s cultural jewels and a cornerstone of America’s theatrical heritage. It has produced the finest Broadway shows for 85 years, showcasing more than 300 Broadway, television and film stars on its stage. Come walk in the footsteps of theatre legends guided by a group of enthusiastic docents who are eager to share the fascinating stories of the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Walk through the stage door and go behind the scenes to see how the magic on stage is made, from wigs, sound, sets and costumes to the dressing rooms, where luminaries such as Bette Davis, Myrna Loy, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Walter Matthau, Steve McQueen, and more prepared for their performances in years past – just as stars such as Sally Struthers, Charles Shaughnessy, and Stefanie Powers still do today.
The live tour highlights the history of the theatre, including how it survived the Great Depression, thrived after World War II (when hundreds of summer theatres closed permanently), and how it became America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.
Tours are scheduled on the following dates: Fridays, July 28, Aug. 25, and Sept. 8, 15 and 29; Sundays, June 11 and 25, Aug. 6, and Sept. 10 and 24; and Mondays, June 5 and 19, July 10 and 24, Aug. 21, and Sept. 18 and 24. A 90-minute tour is $10. The abbreviated 45-minute tour is $5. Tours can be purchased directly through the box office at 646-5511.
The Ogunquit Playhouse’s 2017 season will be filled with the newest and brightest musicals, world and national premieres and a timeless classic, all complete with top-notch professional casts and creative teams direct from Broadway, Los Angeles, and London.
The milestone season runs from May 17 to Oct. 29 and will feature two brand-new musicals, From Here to Eternity and the world premiere of Heartbreak Hotel. It also includes one of the biggest international hit sensations of all time, Mamma Mia!, on stage now through July 1.
Rounding out the 2017 season are Bullets Over Broadway, the delightful and hilarious musical based on the acclaimed Woody Allen film, and Ragtime, one of the most powerful musicals ever adapted for the stage. The season will stretch to the holidays once again with the return of the hit show White Christmas in collaboration with The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Mark your calendars now and get ready to see these exciting shows. Tickets are on sale now. To learn more about becoming a Playhouse member, or to purchase tickets and gift certificates, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org or call the Ogunquit Playhouse Box Office at 646-5511.
The Ogunquit Playhouse is America’s Foremost Summer Theatre, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from mid-May to mid-October. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and become our fan on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season.
For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.
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