CLYDE ALVES (Jerry Mulligan) is delighted to make his debut at the beautiful Ogunquit Playhouse. Favorite credits include, Broadway: On The Town (Ozzie, Astaire Award nomination), Bullets Over Broadway, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Anything Goes, Wicked, Hairspray, Oklahoma!, and The Music Man (Tommy Djilas, Astaire Award Winner); He reprised Tommy Djilas in ABC's “The Music Man.” National/ International Tours: A Chorus Line (Mike); Off Broadway: Altar Boyz (Juan) and New York City Center Encores in Hey, Look Me Over! (George M.), The New Yorkers (Monahan); Regional Theatre: The New World (Tago, Bucks County Playhouse), Crazy For You (Bobby Child, Drury Lane Theatre, Jeff Award Nomination), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Jimmy Winter, Music Theatre Wichita), Oklahoma! (Will Parker, The Muny), Kiss Me, Kate (Bill Calhoun, Shakespeare Theatre Company & The 5th Avenue Theatre, Helen Hayes Award Winner).

JULIE EICHER (Lise) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut! National Tour: Phantom of the Opera (Corps de Ballet, u/s Meg Giry); Regional: Carousel (Dir. Rob Ashford, Lyric Opera of Chicago), Young Frankenstein (Dir. Kevin Hill, Theatre by the Sea), Die Fledermaus (Houston Grand Opera); Ballet Company: Nashville Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Ballet Neo, Artisan Dance Company; TV: “So You Think You Can Dance.” Education: University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, Interlochen Arts Academy. Member AEA, AGMA, Mensa. Many thanks to Ogunquit Playhouse and Meg Pantera Agency! Follow up with Julie this fall when she will be joining the cast of the national tour of Miss Saigon (u/s Ellen) or visit www.julieeicher.com, @julie.eicher.

STEPHEN BROWER (Henri Baurel) is making his Ogunquit debut! Original cast member of the First National Tour, Stephen understudied Henri and Adam, eventually assuming the role of Adam Hochberg. He's thrilled to revisit this beautiful show in a brand new light. Broadway: Anastasia (Ensemble, u/s Dmitry). National Tours: An American in Paris (Adam Hochberg), Pippin (Swing, u/s Pippin). Regional theaters include Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Connecticut Rep, and The Muny. Proud graduate of Texas State University. Thanks to Mama, Papa, Chase, BRS/Gage, and the AAIP family. Plus de vie!

JEREMY GREENBAUM (Adam Hochberg) is thrilled to be back at the Ogunquit Playhouse. OP: Saturday Night Fever (Bobby C); Broadway: Newsies (Davey, Nederlander Theatre); Off-Broadway: A Letter to Harvey Milk (Yussl/Plotkin Jr., LDK Productions), The Fantasticks (Mute/Matt u/s, Snapple Theater), Tamar of the River (Shelah, Prospect Theater Company), Saturday Night (Dino, York Theatre Company); Regional: Follies (Young Buddy, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour, Gateway Playhouse), Rent (Mark, Gateway Playhouse), Crossing Swords (Jeremy, American Theater Group); Jeremy holds a BFA from Penn State University and is currently on faculty at New York Film Academy. Thanks to family, friends, and WTG. www.JeremyGreenbaum.com.

LAURIE WELLS (Milo Davenport) is thrilled to return to Ogunquit Playhouse! OP: The Addams Family (Alice); Broadway: Mamma Mia!; National Tours: Mamma Mia! (Donna), An American in Paris (Olga), and Swing!; Off-Broadway: Trip Of Love (Angela), Our Sinatra (lead vocalist); Select Regional: The Full Monty (Vicki, Maine State/Fulton), Women in Jeopardy (Liz, Geva Theatre/Cape Playhouse), Sing For Your Shakespeare (Westport Playhouse), City of Angels (Bobbi/Gabby, Goodspeed Opera House), 42nd Street (Dorothy, Goodspeed and Riverside Theatre), Ragtime (Mother, Hangar Theatre), Dames at Sea (Mona, Bay Street Theatre); Laurie has had the pleasure of singing at the Grand Ole Opry, Orchard Hall in Tokyo, and on the high seas with her one-woman show on Princess Cruises. Visit: www.lauriewells.net

JOANNA GLUSHAK (Madame Baurel) Broadway: Lead Roles in War Paint, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Sunday in the Park with George, Les Miserables, Hairspray, The Sweet Smell of Success, Urinetown, Rags, Conversations with My Father, Welcome to the Club, After the Night and the Music; New York City Opera: A Little Night Music, The Most Happy Fella; Tours: Young Frankenstein, Finding Neverland, XANADU, Evita; Countless roles in Regional Theatre. Just finished Fall at The Huntington Theater company, a new play about Arthur Miller and his down syndrome son. TV/Film: Ms. Glushak can currently be seen recurring in the new Amazon series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maizel.” Also this season, she will be appearing in the TV show “Younger” as well as other film and TV. She is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.

APRIL LEONHARD (Olga) is pleased to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Off-Broadway: The Wild Party (Madelaine True, Illumination Act), Lili Marlene (Renate, St. Luke’s Theatre); Regional: Make Someone Happy: The Jule Styne Revue (Rose, Commonwealth Theatre Company), Honk! (Maureen/Queenie, Kincaid Regional Theatre); She is currently finishing her first album of comedy songs, Multiple Sarcasms. She thanks her family for their love and support. For more information and upcoming projects, visit www.aprilleonhard.com

NEAL MAYER (Monsieur Baurel/Store Manager) is happy to return to the beautiful Ogunquit Playhouse. OP: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (St. Aphrodisius); Broadway: Les Misérables; National Tours: Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, 101 Dalmatians (directed by Jerry Zaks); Off-Broadway: Mark Felt, Superstar (Mark Felt, York Theatre), Forbidden Broadway, Greed; Regional: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (St. Aphrodisius, La Jolla, Paper Mill and Studio Cast Recording), Death of a Salesman (Charley, Bay Street Theater), Oliver! (Fagin, Ivoryton Playhouse), Best Little Whorehouse (Governor, FLMTF), Twelfth Night (Malvolio, Schoolhouse Theater); TV: “Blue Bloods,” “All My Children,” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”

ROB BRINKMANN (Mr. Z / Ensemble) is thrilled to make his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Off-Broadway: The Red Room (Derek, Barrow Group Theater); Regional: Peter and The Starcatcher (Black Stache, Jenny Wiley Theater), Cabaret (Cliff, Pentangle Arts Center), Searching for Signal (Jack, A.R.T.’s Oberon), Acoustica Electronica (Leonard, House of Yes); Thanks to Gregg Baker Management, and a shout out to the city of Paris for having just granted him a fiancé and now the chance to play again on its streets here, at the OP!

BRITTANY BIGELOW (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at the Ogunquit Playhouse after appearing in Victor/Victoria in 2015. Tour/Select Regional: 42nd Street (Winnie/2015-2016 National Tour), Mame (Gloria Upson/North Shore Music Theater), CBS Upfront with Stephen Colbert (Associate Choreographer/Carnegie Hall), Will Rogers Follies (Betty Blake US/Fingerlakes MTF). TV/Film: “The Irishman” directed by Martin Scorsese (Gold Digger), “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (Featured Dancer/Assistant Choreographer). All my love and thanks to CESD, Lumberjake, Mom and Dad, Jeffrey and the team at the Ogunquit Playhouse for another magical opportunity.

KYLE DUPREE (Ensemble) is over the moon to make his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Off-Broadway: Fabulous, The Queen of New Musical Comedies (Boy #1); National Tours: Mamma Mia! (Eddie), Beauty and the Beast (Carpet u/s); Regional: Newsies (Specs, Tuacahn), Shrek! the Musical (Pig #3/Duloc Dancer, Tuacahn), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble, Tuacahn), A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre); University of the Arts alum. Thank you to the creative team and so much love to my family and friends! Instagram: @kyle_smile

DREW FOUNTAIN (Ensemble) is so excited to be making his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse in this beautiful show! Regional: White Christmas (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Kiss Me, Kate! (Finger Lakes Musical Theater Festival, Chicago (Park Playhouse), Oklahoma! (TriArts Sharon Playhouse). Concert Dance: River North Dance Chicago, MOMIX Dance Theater. Cruises: Grease (Royal Caribbean Productions). BFA Dance Marymount Manhattan College. It is an absolute dream to bring this show to life! Thank you to everyone who has made it possible!

KORY GELLER (Ensemble) is pleased to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse! OP: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Benjamin) and Mary Poppins; Regional: The Music Man (FlatRock Playhouse), A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre), West Side Story (Sioux City Symphony); Kory has danced with Broadway Dance Lab and The Chase Brock Experience, and at the Guggenheim, Symphony Space, Judson Church, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Many thanks to Mom, Dad, Moesh, Ange, LDC, friends and family. www.korygeller.com

SALLY GLAZE (Ensemble) is so thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut with this timeless production! Workshop/Labs: Stilyagi (Written by Lisa Kron, Ensemble, New York Stage and Film); National Tours: Dirty Dancing (Understudy Penny & Vivian/Ensemble); Regional: Oklahoma! (Aggie, The Muny), Monty Python's Spamalot (Ensemble/Minstrel, The Muny), Will Rogers Follies (Ensemble/Zulecki, Pioneer Theatre), Will Rogers Follies (Ensemble, Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Singin in the Rain (Understudy Cyd Charisse & Zelda/Ensemble, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina); Concert/Benefits: Muny Centennial Gala (Ensemble, The Muny), Omaha Symphony (Ensemble, Omaha Symphony Orchestra); TV: “Vinyl” (Extra, HBO). Sally would like to thoroughly thank her family, her boyfriend Aaron, and her agents at Clear Talent Group for being her unconditional support, as well as the production team here at Ogunquit for making her a part of the family! @sallyglaze

SARAH GOLD (Ensemble) is pleased to make her debut at Ogunquit Playhouse. OCU graduate. Tours: A Christmas Wonderland (Spirit Productions); Royal Caribbean Productions; Celebrity Cruise Lines Ltd. Upcoming performances: FlashDance (Gateway Playhouse, female ensemble); Glory to God & a huge thank you to her family for their ever-present support. Follow her journey! @sarah__gold

HANNAH JENNENS (Ensemble) is pleased to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Regional: Mary Poppins (Ensemble, Alabama Shakespeare Festival), West Side Story (Velma/Shark Girl, The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum), Catch Me If You Can (Ensemble, NextStop Theatre Co.); She would like to thank her Mom & Dad for everything and more!

KOURTNEY KEITT (Ensemble) is pleased to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Regional: Evita (Ensemble, Asolo Repertory Theater), Oklahoma! (Ensemble, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre), Broadway Bounty Hunter (Ensemble, Barrington Stage Company); Kourtney would like to thank her amazing team at LDC Artist Representation for helping and supporting her through every endeavor, and an especially big thank you to her amazing family, loved ones, and great friends. None of this would be possible without you all. @kourtney_lk.

AKINA KITAZAWA (Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Ogunquit debut with An American In Paris. Akina originally started dancing at the age of 3 in Tokyo, Japan, and came to America with STEPS on Broadway's International Independent Study Program. Akina has won multiple prestigious ballet competitions internationally, and is overjoyed at the chance to pursue a dance career in America! Other credits include: Candide at Carnegie Hall, On the Town (Gateway Playhouse), SWING! (Soloist, at Gateway Playhouse), Carnival! (Dance Captain, at The Long Center). She would like to thank her teachers, friends and family, and everyone Ogunquit Playhouse for this wonderful opportunity!

JOSHUA LAMAR (Ensemble) began training at the age of 8 years old in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Otis & Kyme Sallid, and Monica Guy. He is formally trained in tap, modern, ballet, jazz, hip hop, salsa, contemporary, and African, and has worked with professional choreographers including Darrell Grand Moultrie, Kevin Iega Jeff, Judith Jamison, Virginia Johnson, Robert Garland, Andrea Long-Naidu, Karen Brown, Debbie Allen, Karen McDonald, Chester Whitmore, Kelby Brown, and many others. After graduating from Charter High School of the Arts, he moved to Philadelphia to study at University of the Arts. After attending UArts for a year, he decided to move to New York and continue his training at The Dance Theatre of Harlem in the Professional Training Program. While in PTP, he began working with Collage Dance Collective. After his second year at DTH, Joshua moved to Memphis to join Collage as an original company member. Joshua has performed with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (Los Angeles, CA) (Memoria), Columbia Ballet Collaborative (New York City), Collage Dance Collective (Memphis, TN), Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre (Chicago, IL), and Holland America Line’s Koningsdam Ship as a featured artist. He is very excited to be a part of this production!!

CHELSEA LANGEVIN (Ensemble) couldn’t be happier to be making her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse with this dream show and a stellar cast and team! Regional: West Side Story (Velma, Theatre by the Sea), Jesus Christ Superstar (North Carolina Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Fireside Theatre); Cruise Line: Holland America Line (RWS Entertainment Group), Disney Cruise Line, Viking Ocean; Dancer with ALMA NYC, a not-for-profit artists’ collective. Proud OCU and UNCSA alum. Many thanks to Jeffry, Anthony, and the entire Ogunquit family. All my love to Mom and Dad. Follow my adventures! @chelsealangevin

SARAHGRACE MARIANI (Ensemble) is pleased to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Film: “Had She Never Asked Me.” Additional credits: New York Theater Barn. SarahGrace has had the immense pleasure of working with such choreographers as Cindy Salgado, Stacey Tookey, Breton Tyner-Bryan, Jon Rua, Bobbi Jene Smith, Tristan Ching, Alex Ketley, Charissa Barton, Cherice Barton, Gerri Houlihan, and others. She is a proud alum of Florida State University, B.F.A. Dance Performance, Summa Cum Laude. Thank you to all the ones who have ever believed in me.

ASHLEY MARINELLI (Associate Choreographer, Dance Captain, Ensemble) is overjoyed to make her return to Ogunquit Playhouse! OP: West Side Story (Assistant Choreographer, Minnie/Margarita), Mary Poppins (Ensemble, U/S Mrs. Corry); New York Theater: The Klezmer Nutcracker (The Dreydl Princess, VITA), Petrouchka (The Ballerina, NYMF), Dorothy Parker: The Musical (Choreographer, The Producer’s Club); Regional: Newsies (Associate Choreographer, Dance Captain, Swing, Tuacahn Amphitheater), Shrek (Tweedle Dum, Tuacahn Amphitheater), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble, Tuacahn Amphitheater), White Christmas (Featured Dancer, U/S Rita, Fulton Theater), A Funny Thing...Forum (Helen Hayes Nominee, Tintinabula, Shakespeare Theatre Co); Other: Music videos with Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey and performances with Ne-Yo, Lady Sovereign and Shakira. Choreographer and performer for Disney Cruise Line. Ashley would like to thank her family, her fox, and Jeffry Denman. She dedicates this performance to Joe Mazzello, Sr.

CONNOR MCRORY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Ogunquit debut! His previous credits include Finding Neverland (First National Tour), White Christmas (Tour), Trip of Love (Off-Broadway), West Side Story (Houston Grand Opera and Lyric Opera of Kansas City), Jerome Robbins Broadway, Holiday Inn (MUNY) and other regional work at Pittsburgh CLO, Maine State MT, and Pennsylvania Center Stage. Proud Penn State graduate. @Connormcrory

BRAYDEN NEWBY (Ensemble) is pleased to make his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Regional: Newsies (Tuacahn), Mamma Mia! (Tuacahn), Shrek the Musical (Tuacahn), Beauty And the Beast (Fireside Theatre), Academy (Staged Reading/Regan); TV: “Ru Paul’s Drag Race All-Stars 4” (Featured Dancer); Tour: Todrick Hall’s Forbidden World Tour. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Rusty, Sofia, Brittany, and everyone else at the CESD team.

SPENCER RAMIREZ (Ensemble) is incredibly excited to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Regional: MAME (Ralph Divine, Riverside Theater), Newsies (Albert, Tuacahn Center for the Arts) Mamma Mia! (Ensemble, Tuacahn), Shrek (Ensemble, Tuacahn); TV: “Fuller House,” “Paris By Night.” Concert Dance: Mark Morris Dance Group, BODYTraffic Dance, Dance Heginbotham. Juilliard Class of 2012. Thank you to Jeffry Denman and everyone at Ogunquit Playhouse for a wonderful production!

JEFFRY DENMAN (Director & Choreographer) is proud to be back for his sixth Ogunquit Playhouse production: Director/Choreographer of Damn Yankees, Choreographer of Moss Hart Award winners The Music Man and West Side Story, Bobby Child in Crazy For You, and Sir Robin in Spamalot; Off-Broadway: YANK! (Lortel nomination, SDC Callaway Finalist), Naked Boys Singing!, Assistance (Playwright's Horizons), Bullet for Adolf; NY Workshops/Labs: The SpongeBob Squarepants Musical, YANK! (Roundabout Theatre), Diane and the One Hit Wonder (Second Stage), The Searchers (Atlantic Theatre), The Donner Party Project (Denman Theatre & Dance Co); NYMF: Pride & Prejudice, ValueVille; Regional: Cape Playhouse - 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Tuacahn Center for the Arts - Disney’s Newsies, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Disney's When You Wish, Fairy Tale Christmas; Engeman Theatre - West Side Story; La Mirada - Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice; As an actor he has been in five Broadway shows, is a two-time Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Helen Hayes Award Nominee and won IRNE, Bistro and Artie Awards. He is the Founding Artistic Director of Denman Theatre & Dance Company, co-creator of the iPad casting app, CastPRO and author of the book, A Year with The Producers. Follow on Instagram: @jeffrydenman and @denmantdc.

DAVID LAMOUREUX (Music Director) is pleased to be joining Ogunquit Playhouse for the first time. Regional: Parade, The Producers, Avenue Q, Spamalot, Million Dollar Quartet, Young Frankenstein, I Love A Piano (3-D Theatricals), West Side Story, Evita, Sister Act, A Chorus Line, Sunset Blvd, The Wedding Singer (Musical Theatre West), Fairy Tale Christmas (Tuacahn), Jesus Christ Superstar, RENT, Into The Woods, Sweeney Todd (Lewis Family Playhouse), The Most Happy Fella, The Secret Garden, Little Me, City Of Angels, Carnival, The Goodbye Girl, How To Succeed…, Li’l Abner, The Boys From Syracuse, Follies (LADCC Joel Hirschhorn Award, Reiner Staged Reading Series); Tour/Recording: Gwen Stefani, Augustana, Vanessa Carlton, Yoshiki (X Japan), Conrad Sewell, Lucy Schwartz, Dave Eggar, Katie Costello; TV: “SNL,” “Letterman,” “Leno,” “Ferguson,” “Ellen,” “Kimmel,” “GMA.” Creator, arranger, and bandleader of The Bombshells. www.davidlamoureuxcreative.com

PATRICK FANNING (Associate Music Director/Keyboard) is pleased to make his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse! Broadway: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; National Tour: Elf the Musical; Regional: Billy Elliot the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Always…Patsy Cline (Fulton Theatre), Mary Poppins (Syracuse Stage), Newsies, Mamma Mia!, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Young Frankenstein, The Full Monty (Maine State Music Theatre); Thanks to Brad, Brian, Jeffry, David and Anthony! Love to Matthew.

DAVID L. ARSENAULT (Scenic Design) Recent NYC: A Letter To Harvey Milk (Theatre Row), Education (59e59), Peer Gynt (Dir. John Doyle, Classic Stage Company), and A Better Place (The Duke); International: English Theatre Berlin, Germany; Regional: Kennedy Center, Bay Street Theatre, Kitchen Theatre Company, George Street Playhouse, John W. Engeman Theatre, Merry Go Round Playhouse, Geva Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Northern Stage, Weston Playhouse, Dorset Theatre Festival, Gulfshore Playhouse, Urban Arias, Bucks County Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Group, and others; Broadway (Associate): The Color Purple (also London and National Tour), King Charles III, Constellations, Disaster!, and Les Liaisons Dangereuses; Education: Ithaca College. www.DavidArsenaultDesign.com

RICHARD LATTA (Lighting Design) Recent Work: In the Heights, The Foreigner, White Christmas (Music Hall, Portsmouth). Ogunquit Playhouse: Million Dollar Quartet, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (IRNE Nomination), Anything Goes. Ain't Misbehavin' (Alabama Shakespeare). Off Broadway shows include: Little Ham, Arthur Laurents' Home of the Brave and Big Potato (Premieres). A Majority of One (Obie Nomination), The Jazz Singer (Premiere), Nunsense A-Men, Nite Club Confidential (Premiere). This is his very first production of Oklahoma! Many thanks to Corey, Derek, Michael, Chad, Bradley & Jen and all at the Playhouse.

THERESA HAM (Costume Design) is pleased to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Off-Broadway: Ride the Cyclone (MCC Theatre); Chicago: Disney's The Little Mermaid (Joseph Jefferson Award, Paramount Theatre), October Sky (Marriott Theatre), The Glorious Ones (Joseph Jefferson Award, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble) also works with Lyric Opera, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Timeline Theatre, Northlight Theatre, and Raven Theatre; Regional: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Delaware Theatre Company), Carmen (Fingerlakes Opera), Ride the Cyclone (ACT / 5th Ave Theatre), also works with First Stage Children's Theatre and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre; Upcoming: Nell Gwyn (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and Legally Blonde (Paramount Theatre); Ms. Ham is an adjunct professor at Wilbur Wright College. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.

KEVIN HEARD (Sound Designer) is delighted to return for his fifth season at this great American theatre. OP: Ragtime (IRNE Award Winner for Best Sound Design), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (as Associate), From Here to Eternity, Mamma Mia!, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Anything Goes, White Christmas, Million Dollar Quartet, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Victor/Victoria, Mary Poppins, and The Addams Family. Broadway (as Associate): All The Way, The Cherry Orchard, The Country House, Sylvia. Off-Broadway: In & Of Itself, For The Last Time, Long Story Short, The Underclassman. Off-Broadway (as Associate): The View Upstairs, The Total Bent, Clinton The Musical, Jasper in Deadland. Kevin designed the sound for the International Premieres of Fun Home (starring Lea Salonga), Kinky Boots, and Matilda in Manila, Philippines. He has also designed dozens of productions at major regional theatres across the US, is the Associate Producer for BenDeLaCreme Presents, and is the founder of design firm Heard Audio, LLC. www.HeardAudio.com

KURT ALGER (Wig/Hair & Make-Up Design) Favorite design credits include: Miss Saigon, Hello Dolly, Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Jesus Christ Superstar, Light In The Piazza, The Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago, Always Patsy Cline, The Wiz, Xanadu, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, Mary Poppins, Gypsy, Dreamgirls, and Les Miserables. His designs have graced the stages of The Engeman Theatre, North Shore Music Thetare, Riverside Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Pennsylvania Shakespeare, Orlando Shakespeare, Beef and Boards, Surflight, Thetare By The Sea, The Fulton Opera House, and Drury Lane. A graduate of Wagner College in NYC he has also worked designing at the academic level at Julliard, NYU, Wagner College, University of Alabama and University of Southern Maine. NYC credits include Chix 6!, Ben, Virginia and Me, Caligula, Such Good Friends, Things As They Are, and Les Enfants de Paris, and work on the Off-Broadway smash hit Shockheaded Peter!. Recently redesigned the 20th Anniversary of the World Tour of Tap Dogs!. Coordinator work on SHREK the World Tour, RENT on tour and Broadway for 10 years, Hairspray National Tour and the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Tour.

ELAINE J. MCCARTHY (Projection Designer) has a background in photography, film and architecture which has led to a 24-year, world-wide career as an award-winning projection designer for live performance, including theatre, dance, concerts and opera. Broadway highlights include Wicked, Spamalot, Impressionism, The People in the Picture, Assassins, Man of La Mancha, Into the Woods, Thurgood, and Judgment at Nuremberg. Off-Broadway credits include Notes From the Field, Frequency Hopping (set and projections), Distracted (set and projections), Embedded, Fran's Bed, Speaking in Tongues, Suitcase, The Stendhal Syndrome, Once in a Lifetime, An Empty Plate at the Cafe du Grand Boeuf, Limonade tous les Jours, The It Girl, and The Thing About Men. Her extensive opera work includes Great Scott, Iolanta, Everest, Tristan und Isolde, Moby Dick, Cold Mountain, Mazeppa, Dead Man Walking and War and Peace.

ANTHONY C. DANIEL (Casting Director) Casting: Ogunquit Playhouse's productions of Anything Goes, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Disneyís Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Victor/Victoria, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Million Dollar Quartet, Saturday Night Fever, White Christmas, Grease, Billy Elliot, Mary Poppins, Witches of Eastwick, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and The Addams Family. He has also served as Associate Director on the Playhouseís productions of Victor/Victoria, Mary Poppins and Witches of Eastwick. Anthony is a faculty member at The Growing Studio in NYC, where he serves as the Director of Musical Theatre Showcase. As an Associate Director, Anthony has worked alongside Matt Lenz on the National Tour of Cheers: Live On Stage! and the upcoming production of Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz.

www.anthonycdaniel.com

KAREN PARLATO (Production Stage Manager) is very happy to return to Ogunquit for her fourth season. Credits at the Playhouse include Mary Poppins (at The Music Hall), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, White Christmas, Sister Act, Million Dollar Quartet, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia!, Ragtime, and From Here to Eternity. Other regional theatres include the Fulton Theatre, Reagle Music Theatre, The Gateway, and Crossroads Theatre Company. Off-Broadway productions include Silence! The Musical, Triassic Parq, The Fantasticks, Revolution in the Elbow..., Bingo: The Musical, Frankenstein, Charles Busch's Cleopatra, and others. Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera. She is also the stage manager for Denman Theatre & Dance Company. Twitter: @headsetchatter.

DANIEL EVERETT (Assistant Stage Manager) saw his first production at the Ogunquit Playhouse at the age of eleven. OP: White Christmas, From Here to Eternity, Ragtime, Mamma Mia!, Beauty and the Beast, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Sister Act, The Addams Family, Mary Poppins, Grease, Young Frankenstein, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story; Off-Broadway: Culture Project, Ma-Yi Theater Company, Manhattan Ensemble Theatre; Regional: North Carolina Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse, West Virginia Public Theatre. Special thanks to his family for all their support.

CRAIG LUCAS (Book) Plays: Missing Persons, Reckless, Blue Window, Prelude to a Kiss (Obie, Pulitzer finalist, Tony nom.), God’s Heart, The Dying Gaul, Stranger, Small Tragedy (Obie), Prayer for My Enemy, The Singing Forest (Steinberg), Ode to Joy. Movies: Longtime Companion (Sundance Audience Award), The Secret Lives of Dentists (NY Film Critics Award), The Dying Gaul. Operas: Orpheus in Love (composer Gerald Busby), Two Boys (composer Nico Muhly). Musicals: Three Postcards, The Light in the Piazza (Tony nom.). Direction: “The Dying Gaul” (film), “Saved or Destroyed” (Obie), “Play Yourself”, world premieres of “The Light in the Piazza”, “Ode to Joy”, “This Thing in Darkness.”

GEORGE GERSHWIN (Composer) was born in Brooklyn in 1898 and began his musical training at 13. At 16 he quit school to work for a music publisher and soon was writing songs himself. The Gershwin’s shows include the Pulitzer Prize-winning Of Thee I Sing and the folk opera Porgy and Bess. George’s classical masterpieces include “Rhapsody in Blue, “Concerto in F” and “An American in Paris.” In 1937 George was at the height of his career. While working on the score of The Goldwyn Follies in Hollywood he collapsed and died of a brain tumor. He was not quite 39 years old.

IRA GERSHWIN (Composer) In 1918 Ira began a remarkable collaboration with his younger brother George that lasted until George’s early death in 1937. Their show, Lady Be Good!, in 1924, became the first of more than 20 scores for the stage and screen. In 1935, with DuBose Hayward, they wrote the opera Porgy and Bess. Ira’s collaboration with George, as well as with Vincent Youmans, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Kurt Weill, Jerry Kern, Aaron Copland, Harry Warren, Arthur Schwartz and Burton Lane, set new standards for American stage and film musicals. Ira was nominated for three Academy Awards and died in 1983.

ED ROMANOFF (Production Manager) Ed brings to the Playhouse an extensive career in live entertainment: lighting, scenic design, theatrical rigging, stage management, and audio; the latter amassing 20 years on television talk shows, news networks, and special events. He was most recently the Production Manager at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, Sugar Loaf, New York, overseeing the 689- and 200-seat proscenium theatres, art gallery, and 3500-seat outdoor amphitheater. As company manager, he toured with Mame starring Loretta Swit, The Sound of Music starring Debby Boone, Guys & Dolls starring Vic Damone, and New York Voices. Television Audio: Montel Williams, Sally Jessy Raphael, Robert Klein, Judge Hatchett, Dr. Joy Browne. He has been a rigging foreman for I. Weiss, and assisted Stephan Weiss in fabricating the original scenic draperies for Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera. An accomplished guitarist, he has performed with folk legends Pete Seeger, Tommy Makem, and Maine’s own Schooner Fare. Recordings: Annie: 30th Anniversary CD, The Most Happy Fella (1992 Broadway revival), Up In Arms puppet musicals: Helping Drew, Monster Intelligence, and Welcome Park. Gloriously married to (Ogunquit Playhouse Company Manger) Joyce A. Presutti, they’ve moved here to his home state for new adventures in Show Business.

GEOF DOLAN (Technical Director) is excited to be returning for his 12th season as the Ogunquit Playhouse's Technical Director and Scenic Coordinator. Immediately prior to Ogunquit, he served as Technical Director for Worcester Foothills Theatre. He has done supplemental design work for several shows. He is also the Technical Supervisor for the Children's Theatre program. Geof began his technical career working backstage for both of his parents who are theatre directors and began his professional career at Sierra Repertory Theatre in California. For five years, he split his seasons between Maine and Florida, working the same technical areas for the Orlando Shakespeare, but now stays with the Playhouse year-round. His wife Cheryl (Scenic Charge Artist at the Playhouse for ten seasons) has designed award-winning parade floats and designs many of the Children's Theatre shows. His daughter Ash is an aspiring writer and artist who can definitely call the Playhouse her

second home.

CHERYL DOLAN (Resident Scenic Charge) is excited to be returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse for her 11th season. After taking over as Resident Scenic Charge eight years ago, she has designed several Children's Theatre sets, as well as added her artistic eye to many of the main stage productions. In the off-season, Cheryl is a Scenic Charge and Prop Master for The Good Theater in Portland, Maine. Since falling in love with the Ogunquit Playhouse, Cheryl, her husband Geof Dolan (the Ogunquit Playhouse Technical Director) and their daughter Ash, who is a budding writer, have made the Seacoast their home year-round. Cheryl considers the staff at OP her family and hopes that her love and passion for theater is translated through the productions to all of you.

DUSTIN CHARLES (Dialect Coach) has served as dialect coach with Cortland Repertory Theatre, Penobscot Theatre Co., New Stage Theatre, Skyline Theatre Company, 4th Wall Theatre Co., and BergenStage. He has taught workshops and coached productions with Mississippi University for Women, Middle Tennessee State University, U-Mass Lowell, Bergen Community College, and SUNY Cortland. BFA Wright State University. Proud member AEA, SAG-AFTRA.

KENT BRIDGES (Managing Director) is a seasoned business leader with 30 years of experience in business administration, finance and strategic planning both in the private sector and as an independent consultant. He joined Ogunquit Playhouse in the fall of 2017. Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Artistic Director, dedicated managers and staff, the community, and the organization’s business partners, Kent’s focus is to strengthen the theatre’s financial position, guide its long-term future, and ensure its rich and well-respected legacy is firmly secured. A native of Presque Isle, Maine, Kent returned to the state in late 2014 after a successful career in the Washington, D.C. metro area. He is excited to be back in Maine and to call Ogunquit

his home.

BRIAN J. SWASEY (Associate Producer) Originally from South Portland, ME and a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. After moving to NYC in 1995 and focusing on pursuing a career as an actor, he changed focus and became the Founding Artistic Director of The Astoria Performing Arts Center, followed by the Associate Producer position at Queens Theatre in the Park in Flushing, NY. There he was involved in producing the 20th Anniversary Revival of Closer Than Ever starring Sally Mayes and Lynne Winterstellar. Prior to coming to Ogunquit, he was the Managing Director for The New York Theatre Barn. NYC developmental projects have included: the rock musical The 12 and a new holiday musical entitled Tim and Scrooge. As a Director/Choreographer, Brian has had the pleasure of directing such shows as Pump Boys and Dinettes, Hairspray, Chicago, A New Brain, and Altar Boyz. He was the Assistant Director for the NYC Revival of Die, Mommie, Die! starring Charles Busch. At the Playhouse, Brian directed the TYA productions of The Berenstain Bears and The Cat In The Hat. In addition, Brian has been involved with booking cabaret entertainment at The Triad in NYC, as well as bringing such artists as Christina Bianco and Bruce Vilanch to MaineStreet in Ogunquit, ME.

BRADFORD T. KENNEY (Executive Artistic Director) is an artistic director, producer, stage and film director, and artist. Since joining the Ogunquit Playhouse in 2005, the Playhouse has tripled its audience growing from a single season summer stock theatre into one of the America's pre-eminent regional theatres with a three-season performance schedule and year round operation. During his stewardship, the Playhouse has garnered a number of awards and honors including the Moss Hart Trophy, Regional Theatre Award for Outstanding Achievement in the American Theatre from the New England Theatre Conference, multiple IRNE Awards and a number of BroadwayWorld Awards including Best Musical and others. Mr. Kenney is also noted for his work at Carnegie Hall including directing the holiday special The Christmas Rose starring Jane Seymour and producing An American Christmas Carol with Tim Janis. Mr. Kenney’s film work includes the upcoming movie musical “Buttons” starring Dick Van Dyke, Jane Seymour, and Charles Shaughnessy. In New England, Mr. Kenney has been proud to be associated with a number of different theatre companies. He was also formerly the Artistic Director of the Foothills Theatre and Wachusett Theatre Companies in Massachusetts. He is a fourth generation plein air landscape artist, having studied with Beth Ellis and at Rhode Island School of Design, Heartwood College of Art, and Maine College of Art.

For Immediate Release:

June 28, 2018

Cheryl Farley, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Patron Services

cfarley@ogunquitplayhouse.org

The Regional Premiere of An American in Paris to Open at the Ogunquit Playhouse

Ogunquit, ME — One of the most captivating musicals ever to be adapted for the stage, An American in Paris, makes its regional premiere at the Ogunquit Playhouse July 11 through August 4. This exquisite musical is inspired by the Academy Award-winning film that starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron and features music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin with book by Craig Lucas. The Ogunquit Playhouse is proud to be the first regional theatre in the U.S. to produce this new musical, which won four Tony Awards in 2015. The stunning combination of iconic music, timeless love story, breathtaking ballet, energetic tap dancing and an all-new design created exclusively for the Ogunquit Playhouse results in a spectacular musical that includes the Gershwin songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “'S Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” “Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “2nd Prelude,” “2nd Rhapsody,” “The Cuban Overture,” and “An American In Paris.”

An American in Paris tells the romantic story of World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan (Clyde Alves) who, hoping to start a new life, chooses newly-liberated Paris to make a name for himself as a painter. His life becomes complicated when he falls for Lise (Julie Eicher), a young Parisian shop girl, only to learn he is not her only suitor. This lavish new musical is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet, and into the arms of a story you’ll never forget.

Individual tickets are on sale now with prices starting at $52. Three-show packages are available for the current season. Gift certificates are also on sale. For tickets visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, the Box Offices located at 102 and 10 Main Street, Ogunquit or call 207-646-5511.

Starring as Jerry Mulligan is Broadway’s Clyde Alves in his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Mr. Alves’ numerous Broadway credits include Bullets Over Broadway, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Anything Goes, Wicked, Hairspray, Oklahoma!, On The Town, for which he received an Astaire Award nomination, and The Music Man, for which he won an Astaire Award for his performance as Tommy.

Co-starring as Lise, the mysterious Parisian shop girl who catches Jerry’s attention, is Julie Eicher who is also making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Ms. Eicher was in the National Tour of Phantom of the Opera, and has performed at Lyric Opera of Chicago in Carousel, and Theatre by the Sea in Young Frankenstein. She has also performed with the Nashville Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Ballet Neo, and Artisan Dance Company as well as on television’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” This fall she will be joining the National Tour of Miss Saigon.

Joanna Glushak joins the cast as Madame Baurel. Her Broadway credits include lead roles in War Paint, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Sunday in the Park with George, and Les Miserables, among others. She has a recurring role in the Amazon hit series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” as well as on the TV-Land series “Younger.” Playing Henri Baurel, son of wealthy French industrialists, is Stephen Brower. Mr. Brower was an original cast member of the First National Tour of An American in Paris. He performed in the Broadway production of Anastasia, and in the National Tour of Pippin. Jeremy Greenbaum is cast as veteran and pianist, Adam Hochberg. Mr. Greenbaum starred on Broadway as Davey in Newsies, as well as numerous Off-Broadway productions including: A Letter to Harvey Milk, The Fantasticks, and Tamar of the River. Laurie Wells joins the cast as the headstrong American philanthropist, Milo Davenport. Her many credits include Donna in the National Tour of Mamma Mia!, and Olga in the National Tour of An American in Paris. Ms. Wells last appeared at the Ogunquit Playhouse as Alice in 2014’s The Addams Family. Her other regional credits include: The Full Monty, Women in Jeopardy, Ragtime, Dames at Sea, and City of Angels.

Portraying Madame Baurel’s husband, Monsieur Baurel is Neal Mayer. On Broadway, he was in the cast of Les Miserables, and performed in the National Tours of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert and 101 Dalmations. Mr. Mayer is returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse after performing in 2016’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, in which he portrayed St. Aphrodisius. April Leonhard is making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut as Olga. Off-Broadway she starred as Madelaine True in The Wild Party and regionally has performed in Make Someone Happy: the Jule Styne Revue and Honk!.

The ensemble of An American in Paris includes Brittany Bigelow, Rob Brinkmann (also Mr. Z), Kyle Dupree, Drew Fountain, Kory Geller, Sally Glaze, Sarah Gold, Hannah Jennens, Kourtney Keitt, Akina Kitazawa, Joshua LaMar, Chelsea Langevin, SarahGrace Mariani, Ashley Marinelli (also Associate Choreographer), Connor McRory, Brayden Newby, and Spencer Ramirez.

Helming the Ogunquit Playhouse production as Director and Choreographer is Jeffry Denman who is returning to Ogunquit for his sixth production. He last appeared in the 2015 Ogunquit Playhouse production of White Christmas as Phil Davis, and was Choreographer for the Moss Hart Award-winning productions of The Music Man (2011) and West Side Story (2013), Director and Choreographer for 2012’s Damn Yankees, and portrayed Bobby Child in 2007’s Crazy for You, and Sir Robin in 2010’s Spamalot. As an actor he has been in five Broadway shows, is a two-time Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Helen Hayes Award Nominee, and has won IRNE, Bistro and Artie Awards. He is the Founding Artistic Director of Denman Theatre & Dance Company.

Joining the creative team as Music Director is David Lamoureux. Mr. Lamoureux has served as Music Director for many regional theatres across the country for such shows as Parade, The Producers, Avenue Q, Spamalot, Million Dollar Quartet, Young Frankenstein, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Into the Woods among many others. On television he has worked on “Saturday Night Live,” “Good Morning America,” and talk shows hosted by David Letterman, Jay Leno, Craig Ferguson, Ellen, and Jimmy Kimmel.

All new scenic design, created exclusively for the Ogunquit production of An American in Paris is by David L. Arsenault who most recently worked on the Off-Broadway productions of A Letter to Harvey Milk at Acorn Theatre, Education at 59e59, Peer Gynt at Classic Stage Company, and A Better Place at The Duke. On Broadway, Mr. Arsenault has been Associate Scenic Designer for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, King Charles III, Constellations, Disaster!, as well as for the London and National Tours of The Color Purple. He has also created scenic designs for the English Theatre Berlin in Germany and for many regional theatres throughout the U.S. including The Kennedy Center, Bay Street Theatre, Merry Go Round Playhouse, Gulfshore Playhouse, and others.

Also joining the Ogunquit Playhouse creative team is the award-winning projection designer, Elaine J. McCarthy, who will create an original design for the Ogunquit production. She has a background in photography, film and architecture which has led to a 24-year, world-wide career as a projection designer for live performance, including theatre, dance, concerts and opera. Her Broadway highlights include Wicked, Spamalot, Impressionism, The People in the Picture, Assassins, Man of La Mancha, Into the Woods, Thurgood, and Judgment at Nuremberg.

Creating all new costume designs for the Ogunquit production of An American in Paris is Costume Designer Theresa Ham. She has designed for Ride the Cyclone at MCC Theatre Off-Broadway, and in Chicago for Paramount Theatre’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid, October Sky at the Marriott Theatre, and The Glorious Ones at Bohemian Theatre Ensemble. She has also worked with Lyric Opera, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and Northlight Theatre, among others. Wig/Hair and Makeup design is by Kurt Alger. He recently redesigned the 20th Anniversary of the World Tour of Tap Dogs, worked on the World Tour of SHREK, the National Tour of Rent and for ten years, the Broadway production of Rent, as well as the Hairspray National Tour and the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Tour. His many design credits include Miss Saigon, Hello Dolly, Beauty and the Beast, The Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Mary Poppins, Gypsy, Dreamgirls, and Les Miserables for regional theatres including North Shore Music Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Pennsylvania Shakespeare, Orlando Shakespeare, Beef and Boards, Surflight, Theatre By The Sea, and Drury Lane. His additional New York City credits include Caligula, Such Good Friends, Things As They Are, and Les Enfants de Paris, and the Off-Broadway smash hit Shockheaded Peter!

Sound designer for An American in Paris is Kevin Heard, returning for his fifth season at the Ogunquit Playhouse, after designing for this season’s Oklahoma!, as well as Mamma Mia! and Ragtime in 2017. Mr. Heard recently received an IRNE (Independent Reviewers of New England) Award for his Sound Design on Ragtime. Mr. Heard has been Associate Sound Designer for All the Way, The Cherry Orchard, The Country House, and Sylvia, on Broadway, as well as for Fun Home, Kinky Boots, and Matilda, internationally. Lighting design for An American in Paris is by Ogunquit Playhouse Resident Lighting Designer, Richard Latta. Mr. Latta has created the lighting design for dozens of Ogunquit productions, including most recently, Oklahoma!, Mamma Mia!, Bullets Over Broadway, Ragtime, Heartbreak Hotel, From Here to Eternity, Anything Goes, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame for which he received an IRNE Award nomination for Best Lighting Design.

The Ogunquit Playhouse season has two additional musicals slated for its stage in 2018: the U.S. premiere of the hilarious new musical Grumpy Old Men the Musical on stage August 8 to September 1 just in time to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the classic 1993 Warner Brothers film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret; and closing out the season is the regional premiere of the multi-Tony Award-winning, international sensation Jersey Boys on stage September 5 to October 28. Elf the Musical will be produced for The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire just in time for the holidays November 28 to December 16. Tickets for Elf the Musical are available through The Music Hall at www.themusichall.org. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

About the Ogunquit Playhouse:

The Ogunquit Playhouse, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization listed on the National Historic Register, is located on Route One in Ogunquit, Maine and produces the finest Broadway musicals each season with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from May through October. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse), Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and Instagram (@ogunquitPH) 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.

The Broadway musical and iconic film, An American in Paris, is set in Paris during the tumultuous time following the German occupation of the city beginning, June 14, 1940. Paris held its breath as it sat occupied by the Nazi’s, bracing itself for what seemed to be imminent destruction, until the city was liberated by French and American troops on August 25, 1944. However, the end of the war did not end the hardships for the Parisians. Rationing of bread continued until February 1948, and coffee, cooking oil, sugar and rice were rationed until May 1949. Paris in the Post-WWII aftermath was set in harsh contrast to the indulgent and decadent times of the twenties, but it is the 1920’s era that inspired George Gershwin to compose the musical suite “An American in Paris,” after an extended visit to the city in 1928. Both of these juxtaposed moments in history would eventually merge to become the influence for the iconic Gene Kelly film, An American in Paris.

Following World War II, Paris still served as the artistic capital of the Western World; a beacon of light for painters, writers, musicians and visionaries. Parisians, refugees, and American troops came pouring into the city desperate to experience beauty, art and culture after a time marked with darkness and terror. From 1946, the capital’s population grew by 50,000 people per year, reaching a total of 2.85 million in 1954. Many veterans chose to remain in Paris after the war as a place to start anew after gaining a new perspective on life and unwilling to return to the status quo at home. The anti-bourgeois attitude guided the city which found itself situated in a time full of contradictions—liberated yet burdened, timeless yet modern, bohemian yet refined.

Post-WWII served as an important turning point for many artistic ideals including: Existentialism, New Journalism, Bebop, and French feminism. Due to the cramped and dismal living conditions, artists often met in local cafés which led to a rich atmosphere of ideas and creativity being shared. Most notably, small New Orleans-style jazz clubs began creeping up in underground cellars where American blues was given a distinctly Parisian sound. All of the rich cultural, artistic and historical changes of the time became the perfect backdrop and inspiration for the film, and most recently the Broadway musical. While the show’s storyline is captivating, it would pale in comparison without the sweeping drama, beauty and mystery of the City of Lights.

Ira and George Gershwin were catalysts for the Jazz Age, and until George’s unexpected death in 1937, the brothers’ music and lyrics proliferated both Broadway and Hollywood. M-G-M Studios acquired the film rights to late composer George Gershwin's musical suite "An American in Paris" and also contracted with his brother and lyricist Ira for rights to use their songs in the film. Additionally the studio hired Ira Gershwin to write new lyrics for certain unpublished George Gershwin music for the film and hired Alan Jay Lerner to write the script. The music strives to capture the sights, sound and energy of the city as originally experienced by George Gershwin and transports the listener to the quaint cobblestone streets and Bohemian cafés sprinkled in the Lower Montemartre. The film swept the box offices and seized audiences’ hearts. In addition to beautiful cinematography and set design, what set the film apart at the time was the 17-minute ballet scene, choreographed by legendary Gene Kelly. Incorporating a complicated dance routine into a feature film broke cinematic ground and was lauded with audience and critical praise.

Inspired by the iconic film, a musical was created with a new book by Craig Lucas. The musical premiered December 10, 2014 fittingly at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. Realizing the captivating music and storyline, the show came to the United States and ran on Broadway from April 2015 through October 2016, amassing four Tony Awards and a Grammy Award. The imagery and emotional embodiment of Paris captured by the Gershwin’s continue to permeate modern-day film, novels and music and the era will forever be the epitome of romance and hope.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is delighted and honored to be the first regional theatre in the United States to produce this new musical. While remaining true to the original vision, Jeffry Denman, Director and Choreographer, has put his own distinctive touch on the show by combining traditional ballet with energetic tap dancing to create a fresh new look and feel to the timeless classic.

In 1928, George Gershwin composed “An American in Paris,” inspired by the time he had spent there. “My purpose here is to portray the impression of an American visitor in Paris as he strolls about the city and listens to various street noises and absorbs the French atmosphere,” Gershwin said in the program notes from its premiere. Much like its composer, “An American in Paris” was ahead of its time and received a moderately positive reception by the classical elite. It has since become a supremely popular and beloved composition in the classical repertoire.

The song inspired the 1951 movie, An American in Paris, starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron and directed by Vincente Minnelli. As one of the most classic movie musicals of the Golden Age (1930’s to 1950’s) it was considered to be a massive undertaking and a triumph, especially for Gene Kelly’s innovative and stunning ballet, for which he received an honorary Academy Award. So it makes sense that, in this day and age, when Hollywood is providing so much Broadway fare, a stage musical would be a logical next step.

But turning a movie screenplay into a stage musical is not simple. They are two different mediums and play by their own storytelling rules. So while the title and the characters are the same, the stage version of An American in Paris is very different. It delves more deeply into the post-World War II aspect of the story, which I believe gives the story and its characters more three-dimensionality. All of these people lived through or fought in the war. That leaves a mark and that mark is felt in Craig Lucas’ book. Contrast that with the glorious music of George Gershwin and the sublimely witty and heartfelt lyrics of his brother Ira, and you have the makings for a moving, funny and deeply human story.

The Broadway musical premiered in 2015 and featured the direction and choreography of Christopher Wheeldon of New York City Ballet. He populated his cast with ballet stars such as Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope and leaned heavily, and beautifully I might add, into the ballet vernacular.

Now, in this regional premiere, my talented collaborators and I have attempted to bring the movie’s MGM quality back into the new Broadway version. As a kid who cut his teeth watching Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, I hoped to bring a little more of that to the stage version.

So from the original song composed in 1928, to 1951, to 2015 and now to the 2018 regional premiere here at Ogunquit Playhouse, An American in Paris continues to not only be a massive creative undertaking, but one that, we hope, ultimately delights audiences.