Maine's Ogunquit Playhouse has revealed its 2024 season, which will include the world premiere of the My Best Friend's Wedding stage musical.
Adapted from the 1997 film written by Ron Bass, the musical features a book by Bass and Jonathan Harvey and songs from the Burt Bacharach-Hal David songbook. Ogunquit's production, presented in association with Crossroads Live, will run September 26-October 27. Casting and creative team are to be announced.
The romantic comedy follows food critic Julianne Potter as she attempts to rekindle a relationship with an old flame... at his wedding. The Julia Roberts-led screen version famously included a performance of Bacharach and David's "I Say a Little Prayer." This stage version will also include the pair's "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" (originally written for Broadway's Promises, Promises), "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself," "Walk On By," "What's New Pussycat?," and more.
The musical was previously set to premiere in 2020 with an Ireland and U.K. tour. That plan was initially postponed and later cancelled due to the pandemic.
Ogunquit's season will open with Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles' Waitress, running May 9-June 8; followed by new productions of Ken Ludwig's Gershwin jukebox musical Crazy for You, June 13-July 13; Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, July 18-August 17; and Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, August 22-September 21.
"We can’t wait to keep audiences singing and dancing all season long with these five musicals...," says Ogunquit Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney in a statement. "We’re so excited to welcome audiences back to Ogunquit and to dive into our new season together.”
"Theatre is thriving in Southern Maine as our 2023 season saw nearly 100,000 theatregoers flock to our historic Playhouse," adds Managing Director Deborah Warren. "Our 92nd season promises to be another incredible season that soars beyond our summer stock history with an anticipated world premiere musical, a contemporary Broadway musical, and three stunning musical revivals. We hope that theatregoers spend a 'Weekend in the Country' with us at our beautiful destination by the sea."
Visit OgunquitPlayhouse.org.
