ED DIXON (Max Goldman) won the 2017 Drama Desk award for Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose, which he wrote and in which he starred. Ed has been featured on Broadway in Anything Goes, Mary Poppins, Sunday in the Park with George, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, The Iceman Cometh, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Les Miserables, Cyrano, The Three Musketeers, King Of Schnorrers, No, No, Nanette, and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. Ed is the author/composer of Shylock (Drama Desk Nomination), Cather County (Leon Rabin Award), Richard Cory (NYMF Festival and Audience Prize), Fanny Hill (Drama Desk Nomination), Whodunit… The Musical, Cloak and Dagger and the highly successful book, “Secrets Of A Life On Stage… And Off.” www.eddixon.biz

MARK JACOBY (John Gustafson) Broadway: Elf (Walter Hobbs), Sweeney Todd (Judge Turpin), Man of La Mancha (Padre Perez), Ragtime (Father), Show Boat (Gaylord Ravenal, Tony, Outer Critics, Joseph Jefferson Award nominations), The Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom), Grand Hotel (Baron von Gaigern), Sweet Charity (Vittorio Vidal, Theatre World Award); Off-Broadway: Critical Darling (Frank Willis, The New Group), Sitting Pretty (Phillip, The Hypothetical Theatre), Enter the Guardsman (The Playwright, Drama Desk nomination, The Vineyard); National Tour: Wicked (The Wizard of Oz); Regional: The Play’s the Thing (Sandor Torei, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey), Life x 3 (Henry, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Sleuth (Andrew Wyke, Maltz-Jupiter Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye, Barrymore Award, The Walnut Street Theatre), The Visit (Peter Dummermutt, Helen Hayes Award nomination, Goodman and Signature Theatres), Nine (Guido Contini, Joseph Jefferson Award), Five Presidents (George H. W. Bush, Arizona Theatre Company, Bay Street Theatre), One House Over (Milos, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, The Geva), 42nd Street (Julian Marsh, Barrymore Award nomination, Walnut Street Theatre), On the Twentieth Century (Oscar Jaffe, Connecticut Drama Critics Award, Goodspeed Opera House), La Cage aux Faux (George, Carbonelle Award nomination, Maltz-Jupiter Theatre); TV: “Law & Order,” “Law & Order SVU,” “Elementary,” “The Blacklist,” “Madam Secretary,” “The Good Fight.” Recent film: “The Post.”

BRENDA BRAXTON (Sandra Snyder) is pleased to make her debut at Ogunquit Playhouse. She was featured on Broadway in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, a performance that earned her a 1995 Tony Award nomination, the NAACP Theater Award, the city of Chicago’s Jefferson Award and a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. Other Broadway credits include Chicago, Jelly’s Last Jam, CATS, Legs Diamond and the original production of Dreamgirls. She received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Living the Dream” Award given by New York Gov. George Pataki and the Josephine Baker Award from the National Council of Negro Women for her work as founder of Leading Ladies Just for Teens, seminars geared to empowering teenage girls. In 2015 Brenda launched “Act 2… Now What?” seminars for women over 50 learning to reclaim their best life! Brenda is the author of “The Little Black Book of Backstage Etiquette” and is currently writing her follow up, “The Little Black Book of Audition Etiquette.”

LESLIE STEVENS (Ariel Truax) is pleased to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Broadway: La Cage Aux Folles (Anne, Palace Theatre), Victor/Victoria (Simone/Ens, Marquis Theatre); Regional: Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike (Masha, ICT), Lend Me A Tenor (Diana, McCoy/Rigby), Sweet Charity (CT Critics Circle Nomination, Charity, DCT), Steel Pier (Stage Scene 2015 Best Actress – LA, Rita, MTW Reiner series) Parade (Ovation Award Ensemble, Sally Slaton, 3-D Theatricals); Film: “Troubled Child” (Best Actress NYLA International Film Fest & Women’s Independent Film Fest – currently on LMN), “Threshold” (Lead, SONY release-2018). TV: “Criminal Minds,” “Bosch,” “Justified,” “True Blood,” “Private Practice,” “Revenge.” Grateful for this opportunity. www.lesliestevens.net

DOUG ESKEW (Chuck Barrels) Broadway: The Color Purple (Rev. Avery), Five Guys Named Moe (Big Moe), Truly Blessed; Off Broadway: Thunder Knocking on the Door, Cabin in the Sky, Josephine Song; National Tours: The Color Purple, Five Guys Named Moe (NAACP nomination and LA Ovation Award), CATS, Dreamgirls, Ain’t Misbehavin’; Regional Theater: Dance of the Holy Ghost, Caroline or Change (Salt Award nomination), Chasin Dem’ Blues, Crowns (Barrymore Award nomination), Dreamgirls, Thunder Knocking on the Door ( Helen Hayes nomination), Ain’t Misbehavin (Helen Hayes nomination), Ma Raineys Black Bottom, Polk County and Golden Boy. Television Credits: “One Life To Live,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show,” “Good Morning America” and “The Tony Awards Show” (1992 & 2005).

KEVIN MASSEY (Jacob Goldman) is pleased to make his debut at Ogunquit Playhouse. Broadway: Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (Monty Navarro u/s), Memphis (Huey u/s), Tarzan (OBC, Tarzan u/s), Deaf West’s Big River (Revival OBC, swing), Antony & Cleopatra (Eros, New York City Opera at Carnegie Hall); Off-Broadway: Bella: An American Tall Tale (Bonny Johnny Rakehell/Snaggletooth); Tours: Gentleman's Guide... (originated Monty Navarro, First National), Little House on the Prairie (originated Almanzo Wilder, First National, Paper Mill Playhouse, Guthrie Theater); Europe: Tarzan (Tarzan, Hamburg), Grease! (Doody, tour); Regional: Titanic (Harold Bride, PCLO), The Full Monty (Malcolm, PCLO), Bonnie & Clyde (Ted, Asolo Rep), The Three Musketeers (originated D’Artagnan, Chicago Shakespeare), Pippin (Pippin, Utah Shakespeare Festival & Kansas City Rep), Les Miserables (Marius, Skylight Music Theater), Footloose (Willard, MUNY); UNC, Morehead-Cain Scholar. Proud husband to Kara Lindsay! Love to my family @kcmassey1 www.kevinmassey.com

LAURA WOYASZ (Melanie Norton) Ogunquit Playhouse Debut AND first time in Maine!! Broadway: Wicked (Glinda); Off Broadway: The Marvelous Wonderettes (Missy Miller), Attack of the Elvis Impersonators (Prissy Bordeaux) at the Lion Theatre, My Life With Albertine at Playwrights Horizons & Come Blow Your Horn at TACT; National Tours: Cheers Live On Stage (Diane/ Carla U.S.), Thoroughly Modern Mille (Mille U.S.),Wicked (Glinda U.S.), Hello Dolly (Minnie Faye); Other favorites include: Venus In Fur, Little Shop of Horrors, Noises Off, Boeing Boeing, The Odd Couple, James Joyce's The Dead, Anything Goes, Sex With Strangers, The Who's Tommy, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.; Laura made her feature film debut in “Baptized By Desire.” TV: “Person Of Interest.” She is also a published photographer, writer, and dog mom to Wally. Thank you Matt Lenz, Anthony Daniel and the whole Ogunquit team for allowing me to share the stage with this cast of legends, in this wonderful show! #starstruck www.laura-woyasz.com

JOHN BATTAGLIESE (Bo) is so excited to make his Ogunquit debut! Las Vegas: BAZ : Starcrossed Love (Romeo, The Palazzo Theater); Regional: Have You Met Miss Jones? (Jack Cassidy, The New Theater), Hairspray (Link Larkin, The MUNY); Proud CCM 2016 grad. Love and thanks to Matt and the entire Ogunquit team, his family and friends, and to the best of the best -Mom and Dad.

BLAKE HAMMOND (Harry) is so very happy to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse. OP: Sister Act (Monsignor O’Hara), Guys and Dolls (Nicely-Nicely); Broadway: Living on Love, First Date, Sister Act, Elf, Billy Elliot, The Lion King, Hairspray, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, On The Town; Off-Broadway: When Pigs Fly, Carnival, Do Re Mi (Encores); National Tours: Something Rotten, Cinderella, The Addams Family, Joseph…Dreamcoat; Regional: At Wit’s End (Carbonell and Chicago After Dark Awards, Joseph Jefferson Nomination), When Pigs Fly (LA Drama Critic’s Award); Numerous Film and TV credits including award winning web series “Then We Got Help” (Indy Soap Award).

ERIC JON MAHLUM (Stan) is delighted to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse. OP: Beauty and The Beast (Monsieur D'Arque); Broadway: Wicked (Witch's Father, Ozian Official); National Tours: Newsies (Swing), Young Frankenstein (Inspector Kemp/ Hermit u/s), Elf The Musical (Chadwick, Fake Santa), Wizard of Oz (Lion u/s), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Jacob/Potiphar); Favorite Regional: Les Miserables (Javert, Sierra Repertory), Les Miserables (Thenardier, Skylight Music Theatre), Ragtime (Henry Ford, Barrington Stage), Ghost The Musical (Hospital Ghost, Fingerlakes MTF), A Little Night Music (Mr. Erlanson, Arden Theatre), Mame (Mr Upson/ Uncle Jeff, Goodspeed Opera House), Kismet (Hajj The Poet, Opera Kansas); Film: “Newsies.” Eric has performed with over 20 Symphonies Nationwide. www.ericjonmahlum.com

KELLY METHVEN (Lo/Dance Captain) originally hails from Atlanta, GA and is so excited to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse Debut! Kelly is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma Wietzenhoffer School for Musical Theatre and member of Actors' Equity Association. Preview credits include: West Side Story (Tony Alternate and u/s Diesel, International Tour 2017), Rock of Ages (Ensemble- u/s Drew, u/s Stacee, u/s Franz, Vegas Company).

JAMES TAYLOR ODOM (Tim) is excited to make his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. National Tour: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (D’Ysquith Family); Regional: Murder For Two (Suspects, TheatreSquared), The Thirty Nine Steps (Hannay, Cortland Repertory), God of Carnage (Alan, Shadowland Stages), My Fair Lady (Broadway World Award, Henry Higgins, Prather Entertainment Group), Baskerville (Sherlock Holmes, Cider Mill Playhouse), and Mary Poppins (George Banks, Gainesville Theatre Alliance); MFA- University of Arkansas and BA-Brenau University. www.jamestayloroduom.com

HEATHER JANE ROLFF (Fran) is honored to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse. OP: Mamma Mia (Ensemble, Donna u/s), Beauty and The Beast, Sister Act, Witches of Eastwick (Greta Neff); Broadway: Shrek (Lady Gnome, Director: Jason Moore); Off-Broadway: Silence! The Musical (Catherine, Theatre 80), Wanda’s World (Alison, 45th Street Theater); Favorite Regional: Legally Blonde (Broadway World Award Nom., Paulette, Stages St. Louis), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie, Sacramento Music Circus), Footloose (Carbonell Award Nom., Rusty, Actor’s Playhouse); TV: “Peppa Pig”, “Gordon the Garden Gnome”. Thanks and love to her family. And Jon – I can’t wait to marry you!

BROOKE SINGER (Karla) is thrilled to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Off-Broadway: The Great Pie Robbery (Clementine, The Elektra Theatre); Regional: Hair (Crissy, Pentangle Arts), Fiddler on the Roof (Chava, Paramount Theatre), Spring Awakening (True West Award Best Actress in a Musical, Wendla, Ignite Theatre), Tangled The Musical (Disney Cruise Line), Disney Dreams (Belle, DCL), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive, Jenny Wiley Theatre), World Premiere of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (Young Baby Jane, Theatre Under the Stars); Thank you to Matt, Michele, Ogunquit Playhouse and the entire GOM Family! Love to Mom, Dad and SEG. @Bsing20

CHRISTINA TOMPKINS (Unis) Ogunquit Debut! Tours: The Sound of Music (2nd National, Swing); Regional: Anything Goes (Reno, Prather Entertainment), Sister Act (Sister Mary Martin, White Plains PAC), The Music Man (Eulalie Shinn, Westchester Broadway Theatre); BFA University is Mississippi. Thanks and love to my family, friends, Matt Lenz and the OP team.

SALLY STRUTHERS (Punky Olander) is a two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner for her performance in the groundbreaking TV series All in the Family. She starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5 and her own CBS series Gloria. She also recurred on the CBS comedy Still Standing and the CW network’s highly acclaimed Gilmore Girls. She joined the Gilmore cast for Netflix’s four movie limited revival, which premiered in the fall of 2016. She recently guest starred in the acclaimed IFC comedy series Maron. Ms. Struthers’ television movies include: A Gun in the House, And Your Name is Jonah, The Great Houdinis, Hey… I’m Alive, In The Best Interest of the Children, Deadly Silence, My Husband is Missing, and Intimate Strangers. Sally co-starred in two legendary motion pictures in the 70’s: Five Easy Pieces with Jack Nicholson and The Getaway with Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw. Sally’s first two Broadway forays were in Wally’s Café with Rita Moreno and Jimmy Coco and Neil Simon’s female version of the Odd Couple with Brenda Vaccaro. For three years she starred as “Miss Mamie Lynch” on Broadway and on tour in the Tommy Tune production of Grease. In the 20th Anniversary National Tour of Annie, Sally played the coveted role of “Miss Hannigan”. Sally was named Best Actress by the Los Angeles Artistic Director Theatre Awards for her role as “Louise Seger” in the musical, Always, Patsy Cline, a true story based on the relationship between Seger and Cline. She won the Ovation Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as “Agnes Gooch” in the Los Angeles production of Mame, and won a second Ovation Award for Cinderella. She also won a plaque for “Best Actress” in her 7th Grade Class Play. Additional starring theatre roles include regional productions of Hello, Dolly!, Anything Goes, The Fifth of July, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Full Monty, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, All Shook Up, Drowsy Chaperone, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 9 TO 5, Legally Blonde, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Witches of Eastwick and Nice Work if You Can Get It. For thirty years, Sally Struthers worked tirelessly to help the hungry and uneducated children everywhere. She visited these children in many developing countries, and filmed numerous public service announcements and documentaries on their behalf.

HAL LINDEN (Grandpa Gustafson) is an American actor, singer and musician whose career has spanned more than 65 years with memorable roles on stage, television, in film and a cabaret-style variety show that he tours nationally. Linden is perhaps best known for his portrayal of police precinct captain Barney Miller in the hit television series that aired on ABC from 1975-1982, earning multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work. Linden made his Broadway debut in 1957 in the musical Bells Are Ringing opposite Judy Holliday and subsequently toured with the national company. He later starred in the 1962 Off Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s 1930s hit Anything Goes. To date, he has performed in more than 20 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. His numerous stage credits include On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Subways Are for Sleeping, The Apple Tree, The Pajama Game, The Sisters Rosensweig, A Christmas Carol, Picasso at The Lapin Agile, The 27th Man, The Scottsboro Boys, Tuesdays With Morrie, On Golden Pond, I’m Not Rappaport, Something More, The Education of Hyman Kaplan, Three Men on a Horse, Chicago, Cabaret, The Gathering and The Rothschilds, for which he won the 1971 Tony Award for Best Actor In A Musical. His outstanding stagecraft led to roles on both the big and small screen. His feature film credits include: “Bells Are Ringing” (1960), “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” (1979), “Starflight One” (1983), “Out To Sea” (1997) with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, “A New Life” (1988) with Alan Alda, and “Time Changer” in 2002. His most recent feature film, “The Samuel Project,” will premiere in 2018. There is no doubt however, that audiences know Linden best from his many roles on television. He hosted ABC’s “FYI,” a sixty-second information series, (similar in format to the network’s popular “Schoolhouse Rock”), which aired three times a day in the early 1980s and for which he earned two Emmy Awards. Linden garnered a third Emmy in 1984 for his portrayal of a rabbi in “The Writing On The Wall,” for the CBS series “Schoolbreak Special.” He hosted the popular ABC children’s series “Animals, Animals, Animals” in the 1970s. The show, produced by ABC News, earned numerous Emmys and the Peabody Award. After “Barney Miller,” Linden starred in several more series for network television: “Blacke’s Magic” (1986), “Jack’s Place” (1992-93) in which he played a retired jazz musician, and “The Boys Are Back” (1994). He’s had numerous guest appearances on some of television’s most popular shows including: “Royal Pains,” “Supernatural,” “Two Broke Girls,” “Hot In Cleveland,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Will and Grace,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “The Nanny,” “The King of Queens,” “Touched By An Angel,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: SVU.” More recently, Linden has spent considerable time traveling the country with his show, “Hal Linden In Concert.” The set is an entertaining combination of songs and theatrical musings highlighting memorable moments from his life and career. The Grand Rapids, Mich., Press calls it, “…an evening of visual variety that was all first-rate.” The Toronto Star noted, “The term ‘class act’ could have been coined for Linden. Hitting all the right notes, smack in their resonant middles,” and the Milwaukee Journal commented, “A poised performance worthy of one of the great entertainers of his era.” In 2011 he released his first CD, titled “It’s Never Too Late.” The disc, a labor of love that Linden recorded over a period of three decades, includes 14 tracks that range from classic pop to jazz standards, Broadway and feature film tunes and favorites from the American Songbook. Linden was born Harold Lipshitz, in New York City on March 20, 1931. He graduated from the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan and later studied music at Queens College, before graduating from City College of New York. A classically trained clarinetist, (he joined the musician’s union at 15), Linden played in dance bands with Bobby Sherwood, Ray McKinley and Sammy Kaye, before being drafted into the Army, where he sang and provided entertainment for the troops. He had long dreamed of leading a Big Band of his own, where he could play his clarinet, sing and make records, but when he returned from his stint in the Army, he realized that the Big Band era was winding down and opted instead to pursue a career in acting. He enrolled at New York's American Theatre Wing where he trained in voice and drama. He continued to study acting under mentors Paul Mann and Lloyd Richards as well as voice training with John Mace and Richard Dorr. Linden was married for 52 years to his wife Frances, until her passing in 2010. They have four children. Linden serves as spokesman for the Jewish National Fund.

PHIL RENO (Music Director) is pleased to make his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Broadway: Something Rotten!, Elf the Musical, Promises, Promises, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Producers, Thou Shalt Not, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour and Back With a Vengeance, CATS, and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular; Off-Broadway: The Diva Is Dismissed (Public), A New Brain (Lincoln Center); National Tours: Joseph… (with Donny Osmond), world premiere of Music of the Night, Starlight Express, Bob Fosse’s Sweet Charity. Television: music director/conductor “Broadway Under the Stars” CBS 2002-2006; “CBS Tree Lighting in Bryant Park” 2006-2011. Film: “The Producers.” Two-time Grammy nominee as producer of The Drowsy Chaperone and Something Rotten cast albums.

MICHELE LYNCH (Choreographer) is pleased to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Broadway: Everyday Rapture (Choreographer, American Airlines Theatre), The Coast of Utopia (Choreographer, Lincoln Center), Hairspray (Associate Choreographer, Neil Simon Theatre), The Full Monty, (Assistant Choreographer, Eugene O’Neill Theatre), Urinetown, (Assistant Choreographer, Henry Miller’s Theatre), Victor/Victoria, (Ensemble, Marquis Theatre); Off-Broadway: Little Miss Sunshine (Choreographer, Second Stage Theatre), Everyday Rapture (Choreographer, Second Stage Theatre), We the People (Choreographer, Lucille Lortel Theatre); Select Regional: Camelot (Choreographer, Shakespeare Theatre Company), Kiss Me Kate (Helen Hayes Award, Choreographer, 5th Avenue Theatre/Shakespeare Theatre Company), Sondheim on Sondheim (Choreographer, Hollywood Bowl), Dirty Dancing (Choreographer, National Tour/Australian Tour), IDAHO! (Choreographer, The Smith Center), Little House on the Prairie (Choreographer, National Tour), Happy Days (Connecticut Critics Circle Award, Choreographer, National Tour), Showboat (Choreographer, The Kennedy Center); Film: “The Last Five Years,” “Joyful Noise,” “Camp.” Concert: Harvey Milk (Choreographer, Avery Fisher Hall, Dolly Parton’s Better Day World Tour.

MATT LENZ (Director) OP: Victor/Victoria. Broadway: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can, The Velocity of Autumn (Associate Director on original productions), Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Resident Director). Off-Broadway: Pageant: The Musical (Drama Desk nomination), The Irish Curse (Soho Playhouse), Idaho! The Comedy Musical, The Great Daisy Theory, Fingers and Toes, and Alan Ball’s Tense Guy. National Tours: The Sound of Music, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Cheers Live Onstage, Catch Me If You Can, The Who’s Tommy and Hairspray. Lenz also directed productions of Hairspray in South Africa, U.K., Toronto, Las Vegas, and Germany. Regional: Numerous plays and musicals at Paper Mill Playhouse, George Street Playhouse, the MUNY, Cape Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Zach Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, Casa Manana, Gateway Playhouse, Short North Stage, Forestburgh Playhouse, and Stamford Center for the Arts. Matt is a teaching artist with the Broadway Dreams Foundation. www.mattlenzdirector.com

MICHAEL CARNAHAN (Scenic Design) Off-Broadway: Atlantic Theater Company: Skeleton Crew; 59E59: I and You; Second Stage: The Happiest Song Plays Last; Signature Theatre: The Piano Lesson, The First Breeze of Summer; Life Could Be A Dream, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Three Mo’ Tenors, Pygmalion, Howie the Rookie, Brando. Tours: Cheers, Live On Stage; A Christmas Story The Musical, Peter & The Starcatcher. Regional credits include Arena Stage, American Conservatory Theater, The Kennedy Center, McCarter Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Baltimore Center Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Pasadena Playhouse, Two River Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Detroit Public Theater, Laguna Playhouse, Utah Shakespearean Festival, Northlight Theatre, Signature Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Arsht Center, Musical Theatre West, San Jose Repertory, Center Repertory. Associate Scenic Designer for many Broadway plays and musicals. www.michaelcarnahandesign.com Instagram: @Carnypics Twitter: @mike_carnahan

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).

DUSTIN CROSS (Costume Design) is pleased to be returning to Ogunquit after last designing the regional premiere of From Here to Eternity. Broadway: The 24 Hour Plays; Off Broadway: Spamilton (New York, Chicago, LA, London), The Glass Menagerie, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Cougar The Musical (St. Luke's), The Other Josh Cohen (SoHo Playhouse), Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking (Davenport Theater); Regional (select): The Prince of Egypt, The Witches of Eastwick, Billy Elliot, Cinderella, Sister Act, From Here to Eternity, Heartbreak Hotel (Regional Premiere, Chicago), West Side Story, Hello Dolly, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Film: “Buttons” (starring Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury, November 2018). Many thanks to the everyone on the amazing Costume, Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe teams, including my amazing Associate Designer Courtney Irizarry, for really taking this production the extra mile. Enjoy! www.dustincrossdesigns.com @dustincrossdesigns

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), An American in Paris, 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

BRITTANY RAPPISE (Wig/Hair & Make-Up Design) is thrilled for the opportunity to make her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse with Grumpy Old Men! Her recent wig and makeup design work includes: Regional: Candide, Sweeney Todd, Madama Butterfly, Street Scene, and La Cenerentola (Brevard Music Center), Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz (Flat Rock Playhouse), Man of La Mancha (Amarillo Opera), La Traviata, Manon Lescaut, Norma, Carmen, and Tiefland (Sarasota Opera), Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, and Il Tabarro (Opera Delaware); Brittany is a New Jersey native with her MFA in Wig & Makeup Design from UNC School of the Arts (Go Pickles!), and her BA from The University of West Florida. She is the owner of The Makeup Wigstress, a Wig & Makeup Design and Rental company based in Pensacola Florida, offering custom wig builds, wig rentals, show design, and prosthetic makeup fabrication. www.brittanyrappise.com. @MakeupWigstress

ANTHONY C. DANIEL (Associate Director/Casting Director) OP: Victor/Victoria (Associate Director), Witches of Eastwick (Associate Director), Mary Poppins (Associate Director); National Tours: Cheers! Live On Stage (Associate Director), Mary Poppins (1st National), Fiddler On the Roof (40th Anniversary Tour), and Disney’s High School Musical (Original Cast); Other directorial credits include the 2017 Off-Broadway mounting of Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For a New World, Million Dollar Quartet, Sister Act, and Murder For Two. www.anthonycdaniel.com

JASON BROUILLARD (Production Stage Manager) is happy to be back at Ogunquit Playhouse, after last year’s Bullets Over Broadway! Broadway: Big Fish, Spider-Man, The Best Man, Bonnie & Clyde, Baby It’s You, West Side Story, Jersey Boys, LoveMusik, Hairspray, Frog and Toad, Dance of The Vampires, The Civil War; Tours: An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin, John Lithgow: Stories by Heart, Ragtime; Off-Broadway: Trip of Love, Satchmo At The Waldorf, The Cocoanuts, If I Forget. Tennessee Performing Arts Center: Part of the Plan; Paper Mill Playhouse: Half Time.

JOSHUA PILOTE (Assistant Stage Manager) Ogunquit Playhouse: Bullets Over Broadway, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Victor/Victoria, Joseph…, The Producers, Fiddler on the Roof; Broadway/Tours: The Bridges of Madison County, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, Other Desert Cities, RENT, Wicked; Off-Broadway: Angels in America (Signature), Forbidden Broadway, Frankenstein, I Love You… Now Change!, Little Me (City Centre Encores!); Regional & Other: The Squirrels (La Jolla Playhouse), Into the Woods, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (T.U.T.S), Stagger Lee, Colossal (Dallas Theater Center), Blue Man Group, Shakespeare in the Park (Public Theater), Roundabout, American Players Theatre, Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Thanks to Jason B., the OP Production Team, and the Kingston family. B.A.: The College of Idaho. Proud AEA Member. Follow his adventures on Instagram @co_pilote

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.

NEIL BERG (Composer) is an Award Winning Composer/Lyrcist who is thrilled to have Grumpy Old Men make its U.S. Premiere at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Other musicals include Off-Broadway’s The Prince and The Pauper (The Lamb’s Theater, NYC), The 12 (2015 HENRY Award for Best Musical, Denver Center), Tim & Scrooge (2016 Broadway World Regional Winner- Best Musical, Westchester Broadway Theater), The Man Who Would Be King (NYMF Festival, NYC), A Witch’s Tale (Zipper Theater, NYC), Heidi (Walden Family Theater, Colorado), False Profits (Theater Off Park, NYC), and Asylum In The Night (Backstage Bistro Award); Upcoming: Never Grimm, Rock and Roll Jihad, and the Pete Rose musical Charlie Hustle. Producer: Closer Than Ever (Off Broadway Alliance Award- Best Musical) Film: “Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn,” “Searching For Bobby D.” Neil is creator of “100 YEARS OF BROADWAY”, the #1 Touring Broadway Concert. Dramatist Guild Member/ BMI Workshop Alum. 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient. All my love to Rita and Lucas. This one’s for Nick.

DAN REMMES (Book) Dan’s plays have enjoyed hundreds of performances across North America and the United Kingdom. Produced titles: Night Out, What Doesn’t Kill Us, Bedlam, Three Tables, Things We Leave Behind, Leaving London, Delays, Friends, Lovers & Fiancés and Close To Home. His work has won multiple writing awards including the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship for Playwriting and Screenwriting and the Samuel French Festival. As an actor, he has appeared on stages from New York to Los Angeles and on such shows as “Law & Order: SVU,” “Blind Justice,” “Conviction,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Late Night With Conan O’Brien.” He’s written and directed two short films (George and Indiana Dad and the Quest For The Lost Tap Shoe) and has three feature films under development in collaboration with “Finding Neverland” producer Nellie Bellflower.

NICK MEGLIN (Lyrics) was best known as the editor of MAD Magazine, a position he held for most of his career. His critically-acclaimed musical Tim & Scrooge (book and lyrics) won Broadway World’s Best New Musical Award in 2016. Nick authored 15 books including “MAD About the 50’s,” “MAD About the 60’s,” “Rotten Rhymes and Other Crimes,” “MAD Stew,” and “Honor Thy Godfather,” “Superfan,” and “Superfan Again!” as well as articles in over 300 national publications. He was particularly proud of his book, “Drawing From Within,” written with his daughter Diane, as well as an episode of “The Pink Panther” written with his son, Chris. An earlier publication, “The Art of Humorous Illustration,” is considered the definitive work on the subject. Nick made over 50 TV appearances including “The Today Show,” “60 Minutes,” “Larry King,” “Howard Stern,” and “Robert Klein” and several NPR programs. Comedy albums include “Everything You Wanted to Know About the Godfather—But Don’t Ask!”

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.

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:

July 23, 2018

Cheryl Farley, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

cfarley@ogunquitplayhouse.org / (207) 646-2402 ext. 215

The U.S. Premiere of Grumpy Old Men the Musical Set to Open at the Ogunquit Playhouse with Sally Struthers and Special Guest Star Hal Linden

Ogunquit, Maine– Fasten your seat belt, it’s going to be a grumpy ride! The Ogunquit Playhouse is proud to produce the U.S. premiere of the new musical-comedy, Grumpy Old Men the Musical on stage from August 8 to September 1 — just in time to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the hit film that starred Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret. This hilarious new show was penned by Dan Remmes, with music by Neil Berg and lyrics by Nick Meglin. Director for the Ogunquit production of Grumpy Old Men the Musical is Matt Lenz.

Two aging neighbors, Max (Ed Dixon) and John (Mark Jacoby), have been feuding for more than fifty years until the beautiful and charming Ariel (Leslie Stevens) moves in across the street — raising the rivalry to new heights! Get ready for non-stop laughs when two great masters of comedy step on stage – Emmy and Golden Globe winner Sally Struthers, and the Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Hal Linden will team up with a cast of Broadway veterans to add to the fun! Don’t miss this laugh-out-loud story of family, friendship, love and romance in a fresh new musical that’s guaranteed to delight!

“We are thrilled and proud to produce the U.S. premiere of this hilarious new show. We are most excited to share Neil Berg’s fantastic musical score that is in an upbeat Broadway style. And, the work of Dan Remmes and the late Nick Meglin is a very adult and hysterical production that is perfect for our audiences. Because of the themes of family, romance and hilarity, all wrapped up in a fun uplifting musical, we hope we have created something new that will have a long life in the U.S. and beyond,” stated Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney.

Individual tickets are on sale now with prices starting at $52. For tickets visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, the Box Offices located at 102 and 10 Main Street, Ogunquit or call 207-646-5511.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to announce that that star of stage and screen, Hal Linden joins the cast as Grandpa Gustafson. Perhaps best known for his portrayal of police precinct captain Barney Miller in the hit television series of the same name that aired on ABC from 1975 to 1982, Mr. Linden has earned multiple Golden Globe, Emmy, and Tony nominations over his career. He hosted ABC’s “FYI,” a sixty-second information series in the 1980s, for which he received two Emmy Awards. His third Emmy in 1984 was for his portrayal of a rabbi on the CBS series “Schoolbreak Special.” In 1971, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in The Rothschilds, and to date, he has performed in more than 20 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.

Two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award-winner Sally Struthers joins the cast as the new-to-town Punky. She is probably best known for her role as Gloria in the groundbreaking TV series All in the Family. She has also starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5 and her own CBS series Gloria, as well as recurring roles on the CBS comedy Still Standing and the CW network’s highly acclaimed Gilmore Girls. Ms. Struthers joined the Gilmore Girls cast for Netflix’s new four movie limited revival, which premiered in the fall of 2016, and recently guest starred in the acclaimed IFC comedy series Maron. Sally Struthers has performed many roles at the Ogunquit Playhouse including last season’s Bullets Over Broadway as Eden Brent, as Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes, the Duchess Estonia Dulworth in Nice Work If You Can Get It, Mama Morton in Chicago, Paulette in Legally Blonde and as Felicia Gabriel in The Witches of Eastwick.

Ed Dixon and Mark Jacoby lead the cast of Grumpy Old Men the Musical as the two feuding (and very grumpy) neighbors. Portraying Max is Ed Dixon, who won the 2017 Drama Desk Award for Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose, which he wrote and starred in. On Broadway he has been featured in Anything Goes, Mary Poppins, Sunday in the Park with George, and Les Miserables, among others. Mark Jacoby joins Grumpy Old Men the Musical as John. On Broadway he has performed in Elf, Sweeny Todd, Man of La Mancha, Ragtime, The Phantom of the Opera, and Show Boat for which he received Tony, Outer Critics, and Joseph Jefferson Award nominations. Recently he starred in the 2017, Oscar-nominated film, The Post.

Portraying the alluring love interest Ariel is Leslie Stevens, in her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. On Broadway she has performed in La Cage Aux Folles and Victor/Victoria, and in regional theatre productions of Lend Me a Tenor, Sweet Charity, and Steel Pier. On screen she can be seen in the films Troubled Child, which garnered her the Best Actress Award at the NYLA International Film Festival, and Threshold, which is being released in 2018. Ms. Stevens has performed in numerous television programs including “Criminal Minds,” “True Blood,” “Private Practice,” and “Revenge.”

Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton joins the cast as Sandra. Ms. Braxton was in the original Broadway production of Smokey Joe’s Cafe, which earned her a 1995 Tony Award nomination, the NAACP Theater Award, the city of Chicago’s Jefferson Award, and a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. Her other Broadway credits include Chicago, Jelly’s Last Jam, CATS, Legs Diamond and the original production of Dreamgirls.

Also joining the cast is Doug Eskew as Chuck Barrels. Mr. Eskew has appeared on Broadway and in the National Tours of The Color Purple, and Five Guys Named Moe. His Off-Broadway credits include Thunder Knocking on the Door, Cabin in the Sky, and Josephine Song, and he has performed across the U.S. at numerous regional theatres. Kevin Massey joins the cast as Jacob Goldman. Mr. Massey’s Broadway credits include Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Memphis, and Tarzan among others. He has also appeared Off-Broadway in Bella: An American Tall Tale and the National Tours of Gentleman's Guide to Murder, and Little House on the Prairie. He has performed in regional theatre productions of Titanic, The Full Monty, Bonnie & Clyde, Pippin and many more. The character of Melanie Norton is played by Laura Woyasz. She has performed on Broadway and in the National Tour as Glinda in Wicked and in the National Tours of Cheers! Live On Stage as Diane, as Millie in Thoroughly Modern Mille, and in Hello Dolly as Minnie Faye. Off-Broadway she appeared in The Marvelous Wonderettes, Attack of the Elvis Impersonators, and My Life With Albertine among others.

The cast of Grumpy Old Men the Musical also includes John Battagliese, Blake Hammond, Eric Jon Mahlum, Kelly Methven, James Taylor Odom, Heather Jane Rolff, Brooke Singer, and Christina Tompkins.

Helming the U.S. premiere of this new musical is Director, Matt Lenz. Mr. Lenz was last at the Ogunquit Playhouse in 2015 when he directed Victor/Victoria. On Broadway he has worked on numerous productions including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and on the National Tours of The Sound of Music, A Christmas Story: the Musical, Cheers! Live Onstage, and Hairspray. Mr. Lenz has also directed productions of Hairspray in South Africa, U.K., Toronto, Las Vegas, and Germany.

Associate Director for Grumpy Old Men the Musical is Anthony C. Daniel. Mr. Daniel has served as Associate Director at the Ogunquit Playhouse for numerous productions including Victor/Victoria, Witches of Eastwick, and Mary Poppins. He has worked on the National Tours of Cheers! Live on Stage, Mary Poppins, the 40th Anniversary Tour of Fiddler on the Roof, and Disney’s High School Musical.

Choreographer for Grumpy Old Men the Musical is Michele Lynch. She has choreographed numerous Broadway productions including Everyday Rapture and The Coast of Utopia, and has served as Assistant Choreographer for Hairspray, The Full Monty, and Urinetown. Off-Broadway she was choreographer for Little Miss Sunshine and Everyday Rapture at Second Stage Theatre, and We the People at Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Joining the creative team as Music Director is Phil Reno. Mr. Reno has worked on numerous Broadway productions including Something Rotten!, Elf the Musical, Promises, Promises, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Producers, Thou Shalt Not, CATS, and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Additionally, Mr. Reno worked on the National Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond, and the world premiere of Music of the Night.

Scenic designer for Grumpy Old Men the Musical is Michael Carnahan, returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse after last designing the set for Summer of Love in 2011. Off-Broadway he has designed for the Atlantic Theatre Company, 59E59, Second Stage, and Signature Theatre. His regional theatre credits include Arena Stage, American Conservatory Theatre, The Kennedy Center, Pasadena Playhouse, and Northlight Theatre, among many others.

Dustin Cross returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse as Costume Designer after last designing the costumes for the regional premiere of From Here to Eternity and world premiere of Heartbreak Hotel in 2017. His work on Broadway includes The 24Hour Plays and Off-Broadway numerous productions including, The Glass Menagerie, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Spamilton, for which he won an Off-Broadway Alliance Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Best Costume Design. Wig/Hair and Make-Up Design for Grumpy Old Men the Musical is by Brittany Rappise. Her recent wig and makeup design work includes Candide, Sweeney Todd, Madame Butterfly, Street Scene, and La Cenerentola at Brevard Music Center, Man of La Mancha at Amarillo Opera, and Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz at Flat Rock Playhouse, as well as numerous other regional productions.

Sound designer for Grumpy Old Men the Musical is Kevin Heard, returning for his fifth season at the Ogunquit Playhouse, after designing for 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 Grumpy Old Men the Musical is by Ogunquit Playhouse Resident Lighting Designer, Richard Latta. Mr. Latta has created the lighting design for dozens of Ogunquit productions, including most recently, An American in Paris, 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 one additional musical slated for its stage in 2018: 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, 2018. 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 Ogunquit Playhouse 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 original 1993 film, Grumpy Old Men, featured real-life friends, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau (featured in Three Men on a Horse in 1953 at the Ogunquit Playhouse), who had already established themselves as comedic dynamite in the countless films they had collaborated on previously. What made this light-hearted romantic-comedy such a box office success was the on-screen dynamic between the two actors, who infused humor and comradery into every scene. Whether a movie or musical, one thing is true: good humor is infectious.

While a quirky love triangle is always a great starting point for any musical, what makes Grumpy Old Men the Musical so unique is its focus on an older generation of characters and their everyday relatability. Rather than focusing on youth, beauty and lightness like most musicals of today, this show contains themes of love and redemption, as pointed out by original producer of the production Jeff Gardner, layered gently beneath the quick jabs and knee-jerking jokes. Gardner happened upon the idea of bringing this movie to the stage while meandering through the video rental store and immediately knew this lovable film had major potential.

The artistic and comedic forces behind the creation of the musical recognized the opportunity to give the characters thoughts and feelings that could be expressed through song, while still staying true to the side-splitting humor at its core. The musical was a collaboration between Neil Berg (composer) and Nick Meglin (lyricist) who were colleagues at the satirical comedy magazine, MAD, as well as Dan Remmes, a notable playwright.

Nick Meglin worked as a writer and editor for MAD magazine for 30 years and had been called “the heart of the magazine” by Bill Gaines, the late founder and publisher of MAD. Nick’s quirky sense of humor and ability to wear many different hats – editor, writer, artist—lead to the expansion and prolific success of the publication, until his retirement in 2004. On June 2, 2018, Meglin died of a heart attack at the age of 82.

Neil Berg, also a former editor of MAD magazine, has produced over 1,000 Broadway concerts worldwide. As a Producer, Neil is the creator and co-producer of Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, which is now the number one Broadway touring concert in the United States, playing in over 120 cities a year for the past decade.

In the late 90s, Berg was handed a musical written by Meglin, entitled “Tim,” which was missing musical accompaniment. Upon reading the libretto, Berg was instantly inspired to quickly write a melody to accompany the lyrics to the song “Nothing More.” In fact, quick thinking, creativity and prolific content seem to be the cornerstone of this partnership. The two teamed up for their first musical debut with a new twist on an old classic, Tim and Scrooge. Nick wrote both book and lyrics and Neil composed the music, which would go on to gain both critical and public acclaim.

The first production of Grumpy Old Men the Musical opened October 13, 2011 at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg. The Ogunquit Playhouse is proud to be the first U.S. premiere of the show which is bound to be a staple in the American musical theatre repertoire. After all, the show reminds us of the important lesson that life is short and hopes, dreams and goofing off are all for the young of heart.

Welcome to Wabasha, Minnesota - and the U.S. premiere of GRUMPY OLD MEN: The Musical!

I vividly recall seeing the very popular 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann Margaret shortly after it was released. As it happened, I was visiting my hometown of Rockford, Illinois for the holidays and it seemed like a fun holiday treat (and a chance to get out of the house) for me and Mom and Dad. We had lots of laughs – and could all relate to so many of those familiar characters – and certainly to the bracing experience of wintertime in the Midwest.

I also recall how charmed I was by the sweetness and innocence of the story, and despite the word “grumpy” in the title, I was surprised at its freshness. There’s something comforting about the ‘small town’ way of life where things can move a little more slowly – and people form communities based on heritage, family history and common interests.

When I went back to watch the film again, knowing that I’d be working on the musical adaptation, new and different aspects resonated for me. 25 years later, now arriving in middle-age, I viewed the ‘Grumpies’ Max Goldman and John Gustafson differently, and recognized that they were grappling with more than just a decades-old feud over a high school girlfriend. The concerns of aging, loss of vitality, whether or not romance can come again later life, their retirements and questioning their relevance was actually what was driving them, and yes, making them grumpy! And I realized that this story is about loyalty, life’s many responsibilities and the blurring of the lines between who is just a friend and who becomes family. In other words…stuff that is likely a part of all of our lives. And for John and Max it’s about learning when to hold on and when to let go…

As the straight-talking Grandpa Gustafson sings:

Life is all about living

But it’s ticking away so damn fast

Don’t live through your mem’ries

Free yourself from the cage

‘Cause tomorrow you may find your name

Across the obit page!

So whether you’re from a small town or a big city I hope you’ll see some part of yourself and your experience on the stage tonight. We’ve had a ball putting this show together for you and I’m grateful for the hilarious, smart and talented team of writers and actors we had the opportunity to work with in the process of making this new, feel-good musical.

Enjoy!