Two worlds. One writer. One unforgettable summer on the Maine coast.

City of Angels is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy playing at Ogunquit Playhouse from July 23rd through August 22nd, 2026. Witty, glamorous, and brimming with a sensational jazz score, it’s one of the most inventive shows in the history of Broadway musicals — and it’s coming to America’s Foremost Summer Theater this season.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of musical theater or looking for the perfect live entertainment on the Maine coast this summer, this is your complete guide to City of Angels at Ogunquit Playhouse.

What is City of Angels about?

City of Angels tells the story of Stine, a New York novelist lured to 1940s Hollywood to adapt his hard-boiled detective novels for the silver screen. As Stine navigates the hollow promises of fame, the pressure to compromise his art, and the sultry distractions of Tinseltown, his fictional world begins to bleed into reality.

The show brilliantly weaves between two parallel storylines: the colorful reality of Hollywood and the gritty black-and-white film noir world of Stine’s imagination. His fictional private detective, Stone, navigates a world of shadows, femmes fatales, and dangerous secrets, while Stine’s own life grows increasingly complicated off the page.

It’s a show about storytelling, identity, and the price of selling out, told with wit, style, and one of Broadway’s most celebrated jazz scores.

Who Created City of Angels?

City of Angels features a book by Larry Gelbart, music by Cy Coleman, and lyrics by David Zippel. The show originally opened on Broadway in 1989, winning six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, and Best Direction.

At Ogunquit Playhouse, the production is directed by Hunter Foster and choreographed by Jennifer Rias, with scenic design by Nate Bertone and a full creative team bringing this noir world to life on the Maine coast.

What Should You Expect When You Attend?

City of Angels is a bold, stylish, and genuinely funny night at the theater. It’s comedy and musical theater at their most inventive. Here’s what to expect when you take your seat:

  • A dazzling dual-world production that moves between golden-age Hollywood and 1940s film noir
  • A sensational jazz score featuring songs including “You Can Always Count on Me” and “I’m Nothing Without You”
  • Sharp, witty writing that rewards close attention — this is musical comedy at its most clever
  • A 2 hour 30 minute runtime, including intermission
  • A PG-13 content rating, suitable for older teens and adults

The Music of City of Angels

Cy Coleman’s jazz score is one of the defining achievements of the Broadway stage. Unlike the pop-driven musicals or classic Broadway compositions many audiences know, City of Angels draws deeply from the world of 1940s jazz and big-band swing. Rich, atmospheric, and perfectly matched to its noir setting.

David Zippel’s lyrics are dry, sophisticated, and razor-sharp. The songs don’t just entertain, they illuminate the double lives of every character on stage, performing in both the real world and the fictional one simultaneously.

For fans of jazz musicals, classic comedy musicals, or anyone who appreciates something different from the standard musical theater experience, City of Angels is an exceptional choice.

Is City of Angels Right for You?

If you love:

  • Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals with wit and intelligence
  • Jazz-driven scores and classic Hollywood atmosphere
  • Film noir storytelling packed with clever comedy
  • Live entertainment that surprises you
  • A sophisticated night out on the Maine coast

This production is for you.

City of Angels is ideal for adult couples, theater lovers, fans of classic Americana and jazz, and anyone seeking standout live performances during their summer visit to Ogunquit. It’s a show for those who want more than entertainment — it’s theater that makes you think.

Why See City of Angels at Ogunquit Playhouse?

At Ogunquit Playhouse, we believe that great theater deserves a great stage, and for over 90 years, we’ve been bringing world-class live performances to the Maine coast. America’s Foremost Summer Theater has entertained generations of audiences, and City of Angels is exactly the kind of bold, brilliant production that defines our legacy.

Whether you’re visiting Ogunquit for the weekend or spending the season on the southern Maine coast, a night at the Playhouse is more than a show. It’s a cultural event. Plan your visit around the City of Angels and discover why audiences have been making the trip to Ogunquit for unforgettable performing arts experiences for generations.

Dates: July 23rd – August 22nd, 2026

Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)

Content Rating: PG-13

Genre: Comedy, Musical

Matinees: 2:00pm (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

Evenings: 8:00pm (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Select Tuesday)

Location: 10 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907

Accessible Performances
* Open Captioning: Aug 12–16
* ASL Interpreted: Aug 19 (8pm), Aug 22 (2pm)