Ogunquit Playhouse Announces Small Town The World Premier John Mellencamp Musical Oct 1 - Nov 1, 2026
SMALL TOWN THE WORLD PREMIERE JOHN MELLENCAMP MUSICAL
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JOHN MELLENCAMP
BOOK BY NAOMI WALLACE
DIRECTED AND CHOREGRAPHED BY KATHLEEN MARSHALL
October 1, 2026 – November 1, 2026
(January 16, 2026 – Ogunquit, Maine and New York, NY) – Ogunquit Playhouse (Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney, Managing Director Deborah Warren) is thrilled to announce the final production of their 94thseason. Small Town, the World Premiere John Mellencamp Musical, will feature music and lyrics by John Mellencamp, a book by Naomi Wallace, and directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall. The new musical will run Thursday October 1, 2026 through Sunday November 1, 2026.
“Ogunquit Playhouse has a storied legacy of debuting World and American Premieres, and we take immense pride in fostering new works alongside world-class artists,” said Bradford Kenney, Ogunquit Playhouse Executive Artistic Director. “We are thrilled to continue that tradition this season with a powerful new musical from the legendary John Mellencamp and Naomi Wallace. Under the visionary direction of three-time Tony Winner Kathleen Marshall, this production brings the heart of the American ‘Small Town’ to life. We cannot wait for our audiences to experience the story of Jack and Diane this October, and to hear Mellencamp’s iconic hits reimagined for the stage by this incredible creative team.”
Step into the story of a small town in free-fall. Including John Mellencamp’s greatest hits, this isn’t just a musical—it’s a pulse-pounding story of the men and women living on the edge of the promise. Follow Jack and Diane, two star-crossed lovers refusing to let the world break them or bury their youthful fire. Through the echoes of “Hurts So Good,” “Lonely Ol’ Night,” “Small Town,” and the iconic “Jack and Diane,” witness a multigenerational community at a crossroads, making tough choices in a desperate bid for a better life.
"I'm honored to return to Ogunquit to bring this beautiful and uplifting story of a resilient community to the historic Playhouse.” said Kathleen Marshall, Director and Choreographer. “With John's unforgettable music and John and Naomi's poetic words, we look forward to presenting the first production of this compelling new musical."
Mellencamp is one of the most highly respected singer-songwriters of his generation, with a career in music spanning five decades. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and recipient of the prestigious John Steinbeck Award and the Woody Guthrie Award, as well as many others. He is a founding member of Farm Aid along with Willie Nelson and Neil Young. “John Mellencamp is one of the greatest storytellers of our generation, representing the heart of America with honesty, grit, and compassion. We are extremely proud to support this premiere and thrilled to see his words and music continue to make a profound impression by resonating with new audiences.” Monte Lipman; Founder, Republic Records Chairman, REPUBLIC Collective
The 2026 season also includes previously announced productions Ain’t Too Proud (May 14 – June 13), Hello, Dolly! (June 18 – July 18), City of Angels (July 23 – August 22), and The Producers (August 27 – September 26).
3, 4, and 5-Show Season Passes can be purchased by calling the Box Office (207.646.5511) weekdays 10:00am to 5:00pm or online at tickets.ogunquitplayhouse.org. Individual show tickets go on sale to the general public Tuesday, March 17, with an exclusive pre-sale week for Playhouse Members and Passholders, March 10-16. For more information on Membership, visit ogunquitplayhouse.org/membership
About Ogunquit Playhouse
As America’s foremost Summer theater, Ogunquit Playhouse delivers world-class Broadway entertainment and unforgettable experiences for more than 100,000 guests every season. Set in the charming seaside village of Ogunquit, Maine, The Playhouse is one of the most significant and long-running venues in the history of the summer stock movement. With nearly 100 years of collaborating with brilliant artists from around the world The Playhouse has helped shape the future of American theatre. Discover more by visiting ogunquitplayhouse.org and connecting with @ogunquitplayhouse on all social media platforms.
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