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John Lane's Ogunquit Playhouse John Lane's Ogunquit Playhouse

Playhouse History 

What began on a warm Saturday evening in a renovated garage in Ogunquit’s town square during the summer of 1933 blossomed into one our country’s finest theatres and continues today as “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.”

It all began when Broadway showman Walter Hartwig and his wife Maude realized their dream of bringing quality theatre to venues outside of New York City and they brought their Manhattan Theatre Colony to Ogunquit. Because Ogunquit was renowned as a summer resort and art colony he was able to persuade such theater legends as Maude Adams, Ethel Barrymore, and Laurette Taylor to star with the resident company. The theatre experienced enormous success and soon sought larger quarters. Hartwig bought the old Ware Farm on Route 1, just south of town, and built the present-day Ogunquit Playhouse, which opened on July 17, 1937.

With Walter Hartwig’s death in 1941 his widow Maude stepped in to carry on his legacy. In 1950 John Lane, a young actor, was hired as general manager to help oversee production duties. He acquired the theatre and land from the retiring Maude in 1951. Joined by a new business partner, Henry Weller, they embarked on a long-range plan of modernizing and improving the building and grounds, and, without missing a beat, enhanced the tradition of excellence and excitement in entertainment.

Through John Lane’s dedicated direction, professional integrity and impeccable taste, generations of theatergoers enjoyed the brightest stars and finest professional actors performing in Broadway’s best shows. During his four and a half decades as owner and producer his high standards earned the Playhouse the title of “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.”

After a long and successful career John Lane retired in 1994. In order to perpetuate his legacy he spearheaded the formation of the Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to “preserve and maintain the Ogunquit Playhouse as a community-based performing-arts center.” John Lane pledged to transfer ownership to the Foundation if it raised $500,000 within three years to ensure the longevity and maintenance of the theatre and grounds. The cash and pledges went over the top well before the deadline, and ownership was transferred to the newly formed Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation in September 1997. John Lane’s extraordinary stewardship of the Ogunquit Playhouse ended after 46 years. Though John Lane passed away in the autumn of 2000, his Playhouse, our Playhouse, continues to be a dynamic testimony to his commitment to live theatre, one that will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.

In September 1999 the Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation selected Roy M. Rogosin as Producing Artistic Director for the Playhouse in order to build a bridge between the legendary history of the Playhouse and the exciting and challenging future ahead. During Roy’s stewardship the lobby underwent a beautiful refurbishing, a new gazebo was purchased for the south lawn, where wine and beer are served to patrons and the north-field parking lot was secured and made safe. All of this was accomplished through the generosity of the Playhouse Theatre Guild. The Colony Theatre was restored as a center for Youth Theater classes and performances as the Children’s Theatre Program continued to grow and prosper. Once again the dedicated Guild stepped up to assist with both funding for the Colony restoration and many hours of volunteer work to support the Children’s Theatre camp programs. During his tenure Roy continued bringing Broadway-quality productions worthy of the Great White Way itself, with appearances by national stars such as Sally Struthers and Lucie Arnaz.

2006 ushered in a new era as newly appointed Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney assumed the reigns. The Playhouse continued its tradition of excellence with regional premiers of two Broadway classics, Cabaret and Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, while continuing the tradition of star-studded productions with Andrea McArdle, Sally Struthers and Leslie Uggams all gracing the Playhouse stage. 2006 also brought additional improvements to the sound and lighting systems with grants from The Maine Arts Commission; The Donato J. Tramuto Foundation and The Ogunquit Playhouse Theatre Guild. Visitation more than doubled and the demand enabled the theatre to expand its season from the traditional 10 weeks to a 21-week season. For the first time in its history the Playhouse opened its doors in May and extended the season into the fall to enthusiastic crowds making the Ogunquit Playhouse a true regional theatre.

Our 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Season was celebrated in 2007 with star-studded shows, record breaking crowds and glorious Broadway costumes and sets for magnificent shows that included Crazy for You featuring Rue McClanahan, The King and I starring Lorenzo Lamas, and The Full Monty starring Sally Struthers. During the anniversary season the Playhouse witnessed enormous growth in support from local establishments and the community at large. As part of the celebration a Community Day was held during the run of Hairspray; the community was invited to a day full of activities and to a party with the cast following the production. The 75th Anniversary Season raised the bar for the Ogunquit Playhouse setting the stage for the best of Broadway to continue and ensuring its place in history as “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.”

2008 will continue with a 21-week season once again bringing the best and brightest of Broadway to the beach. Fiddler on the Roof, The Producers, My Fair Lady, and Les Miserables, along with the New England premier of the new rock n’ roll musical featuring the music of Neil Sedaka, Breaking Up is Hard to Do and New York's longest running musical comedy revue Forbidden Broadway are set for the Playhouse stage.

 

 
 

 

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