Fueled by Gershwin, girls, and gin, Nice Work If You Can Get It takes place in the year 1927 towards the end of the tumultuous Prohibition Era. After nearly a decade of the Prohibition Law being in effect, many U.S. citizens were fed-up with the economic consequences of the alcohol ban and took matters into their own hands by making a criminal livelihood in the “bootlegging” business. The resulting increase of unlawful production and sale of liquor, the proliferation of speakeasies, and the accompanying rise in gangster violence and other crimes led to waning support for Prohibition by the end of the 1920s.

Events leading to Prohibition began during the 1820s and ’30s when a wave of religious revivalism swept the United States, resulting in increased calls for sobriety and self-restraint. By the turn of the 20th century, temperance societies were a common fixture in communities across the United States. Women played a strong role in the abstention movement, as alcohol was seen as a destructive force in families and marriages. Carrie A. Nation, a radical American temperance advocate also infamously known as the “saloon-smasher,” would march into saloons and proceed to sing, pray, hurl biblical-sounding vituperations, and smash the bar fixtures and stock with a hatchet. Nation is cited as an inspiration for Nice Work’s character Duchess Estonia Dulworth, played by Sally Struthers in the Ogunquit Playhouse production.

Though many women were associated with the temperance movement, some women entered the bootlegging business and were far more successful than their male counterparts due to state laws that made it illegal for male police officers to search women. The alcohol smuggling syndicates took advantage of these legal loopholes, recruiting women as bootleggers or to ride along during car transport to reduce searches and robberies.

Tony Award-winning author Joe DiPietro was approached by the Gershwin estate to write a musical comedy using Gershwin music that harkened back to the musicals of the 1920s which the famous duo collaborated. DiPietro had always been a huge fan of the screwball comedies of the ‘20s and ‘30s, featuring bootleggers, playboys, dowagers, and chorus girls and was inspired by the plotline of the Gershwin musical Oh, Kay!, another farcical tale about a wealthy playboy who falls in love with the sister of a bootlegger on the eve of his wedding. In his adaptation for Nice Work, DiPietro decided to combine the characters of the bootlegger and the sister into the spunky female rum-runner, Billie Bendix. DiPietro used Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse’s book for Oh, Kay! as a jumping off point for a mistaken-identity and false-identity plot that blends comedy, farce, romance, and Prohibition-era lawbreaking. In writing the book, DiPietro stated that his goal was to “write a show that is in their voices and that they would love if they happened to walk into the theater.”

Nice Work If You Can Get It was initially produced with the title They All Laughed! in 2001 at the Goodspeed Opera House with a book by Joe DiPietro. A workshop of the musical, then renamed Heaven on Earth, was held in November 2007, featuring Harry Connick, Jr. and Erin Dilly. The final product, Nice Work If You Can Get It, opened at the Imperial Theater on Broadway on April 24, 2012, starring Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara. The musical was nominated for ten Tony Awards (winning two) in 2012. Now, the Ogunquit Playhouse is one of the first regional theaters in the country to produce this delightful show. Nice Work recalls the golden age of American musicals, complete with extravagant dance numbers, glamorous Broadway costumes and a brilliant catalog of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved songs, including “But Not For Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

AMANDA LEA LaVERGNE (Billie Bendix) is so happy to be back at Ogunquit where you may remember her as Kathy Selden in Singin’ In the Rain or as Red Girl in Shout! The Mod Musical. Broadway credits include Annie (u/s Grace), Grease (ChaCha; u/s Sandy and Patty), and The People In The Picture. She also originated the role of Campbell in the world premiere of Bring It On: The Musical in Atlanta and has appeared at Radio City Music Hall as Mrs. Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Regional and National Tours: The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Chicago (Roxie), Gypsy (June), All Shook Up (Natalie), Lone Star Love (Ruby), Anything Goes (Hope), Thoroughly Modern Millie, 42nd Street, Disney’s High School Musical, Hairspray and Crazy for You. amandalealavergne.com.

JOEY SORGE (Jimmy Winter) is thrilled to be back at Ogunquit where he played Don Lockwood in Singin’ In The Rain and Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone. He was seen on Broadway in the original casts of Nice Work If You Can Get It, How To Succeed In Business…, and The Drowsy Chaperone; also Thoroughly Modern Millie; and notably Young Buddy in the 2001 revival of Follies. Off-Broadway: Dino in Sondheims’ Saturday Night (Second Stage), and Pete in Summer of ’42 (Variety Arts). National Tours include: Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, the iconic Fonz in Happy Days - A New Musical, and Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie. He has been seen regionally in Victor/Victoria at TUTS, Animal Crackers at Williamstown, Grease at Papermill, Radio Girl at Goodspeed, and Marty at Huntington Theatre. His film credits include: New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Contradictions of The Heart, Providence, and Audrey. TV/Web: “The Knick,” “Alphabet Boys,” “Person of Interest,” “Numb3rs,” “Commander in Chief,” and the remake of “Night Stalker.” Check out www.joeysorge.com, and follow on twitter and instagram @sojoey

SALLY STRUTHERS (Duchess Estonia Dulworth) is a two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner for her performance in the ground-breaking series “All in the Family.” She starred in the Fox television series “9 to 5” and her own CBS series “Gloria.” Her recurring roles include the CBS comedy “Still Standing” and the CW’s highly acclaimed “Gilmore Girls.” 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. On Broadway she starred in Wally’s Café with Jimmy Coco, in Neil Simon’s female version of The Odd Couple with Brenda Vaccaro and in the Tommy Tune production of Grease. Other starring roles include: Annie, Mame, Chicago, Hello Dolly, Anything Goes, The Fifth of July, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, Legally Blonde, Curtains, All Shook Up, Fiddler on the Roof, The Drowsy Chaperone, 9 to 5: The Musical, The Full Monty, Cinderella, and the musical Witches of Eastwick. Sally loves the Ogunquit Playhouse and its peeps.

BRENDA VACCARO (Millicent Winter - August 4-15) was born in Brooklyn and raised in Dallas, Texas. She moved to New York City to enroll in the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and from there began her career in the Broadway theatre. Today, she is recognized as one of our most respected actresses. She has received a Golden Globe Award, a People’s Choice Award, a Theater World Award and an Emmy. She has been honored with an Academy Award nomination, three Golden Globe nominations, four Emmy Award nominations, and three Tony nominations. Her presence on the screen and stage has given audiences hours of enjoyment earning her a loyal following at home as well as internationally. Brenda began her career on Broadway in John Patrick’s play Everybody Loves Opal with Eileen Heckart, for which she received the Theater World Award. The following year, she was in the Broadway production of C.P. Snow’s The Affair. She has been nominated for three Tony Awards for her outstanding performances in Abe Burrow’s comedy Cactus Flower, George Abbott’s musical How Now, Dow Jones, and Herb Gardner’s play The Goodbye People. She starred with Gene Hackman on Broadway in The Natural Look. She went on to star in Irwin Shaw’s Children From Their Games, in Oliver Hailey’s Fatherís Day, in Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple with Sally Struthers, and with Alan Alda in Neil Simon’s Jakeís Women, and in a one woman show Full Gallop in California as the fashion mogul Diana Vreeland, directed by Nicky Martin. She landed her first motion picture while performing on the Broadway stage in the musical How Now, Dow Jones. It was the British film director John Schlesinger who chose her to star with Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight in his masterpiece Midnight Cowboy in 1970, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.Ms. Vaccaro has gone on to star in numerous films, including I Love My Wife with Elliott Gould, Summertree with Michael Douglas, and Going Home with Robert Mitchum. Brenda was nominated for an Oscar and received the Golden Globe Award and People’s Choice Award for her performance in Once Is Not Enough, based on Jacqueline Susann’s best-selling novel.Her other screen credits include: Airportë77 with Jack Lemon, Peter Hyams’ film Capricorn One with Hal Holbook, Fast CharlieÖThe Moonbeam Rider with David Carradine, Where Itís At with David Janssen (Golden Globe nomination), The First Deadly Sin with Frank Sinatra, Zorro: The Gay Blade with George Hamilton, Supergirl with Faye Dunaway, Water with Michael Caine, Heart of Midnight with Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ten Little Indians with Donald Pleasence and Herbert Lom, Cookie with Peter Falk, Warren Beatty’s Love Affair, Barbra Streisand’s The Mirror Has Two Faces, Nicolas Cage’s Sonny with James Franco, and Susan Seidelman’s Boynton Beach Club with Dyan Cannon, Sally Kellerman, and Michael Nouri. She just finished filming a short entitled Crackers with Vincent D’Onofrio. Ms. Vaccaro has had three series of her own on television: “Sara” (for which she received an Emmy nomination), “Paper Dolls,” and “Dear Detective.” She received an Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Special for “The Shape of Things.” She starred in some of television’s most prestigious shows and movies, including Stanley Kramer’s “The Trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg,” “The Streets of San Francisco” with Michael Douglas, “The Big Rip-Off” with Tony Curtis, “Guyana Tragedy” with Powers Boothe, “The Pride of Jesse Hallam” with Johnny Cash, “The Star Maker” with Rock Hudson and Suzanne Pleshette, “A Long Way Home” with Timothy Hutton, “The Love Boat,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Deceptions” with Stefanie Powers, “Changing Patterns” with Valerie Perrine, “Vacation Playhouse,” “Stolen: One Husband” with Valerie Harper, “Colombo,” “Murder She Wrote,” “The Golden Girls” (Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series) “Flesh ‘n’ Blood” with David Keith, “The Trials of Rosie O’Neill” with Sharon Gless, Steven Bochco’s “Civil Wars,” “Red Shoe Diaries” with David Duchovny, and “Following Her Heart” with Ann-Margret. She also guest starred in “Friends” as Joey’s mother, as well as on “Touched by an Angel,” “Ally McBeal,” “King of Queens,” “Becker” with Ted Danson, “Just a Walk in the Park” with George Eads and Jane Krakowski, “Just Desserts” with Lauren Holly, “The War At Home,” “and “Nip/Tuck” with Catherine Deneuve. She recently starred in Barry Levinson’s film for HBO You Don't Know Jack with Al Pacino, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman, for which she received an Emmy nomination.Brenda is also very well-known for her voice in commercials and voices she created on animated series. She is also the voice on many narrations of television shows for The Discovery Channel, including “Crocodile Territory,” “Orangutan,” “The Lion Share,” and “Planet Storm,” just to name a few. She is also very well-known for her voice of Mama Bravo on “Johnny Bravo,” Scruple on “The Smurfs” and other voices for “American Dad,” “Spawn,” “The Jetsons,” “Darkwing Duck,” “The Critic,” “Fat Girl,” “Charlotte’s Web II,” and many more.

VALERIE HARPER (Millicent Winter - July 22 - 28) Broadway: Looped (received 2010 Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Tallulah Bankhead), Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Story Theatre, Metamorphoses, Something Different, Subways Are for Sleeping, Wildcat, Take Me Along, Li’l Abner. National Tours: The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Golda’s Balcony. Off Broadway: Death Defying Acts, All Under Heaven. Regional Theatre: Looped (Pasadena Playhouse, West Palm Beach, DC’s Arena Stage), All Under Heaven, The Dragon and the Pearl, Sills and Company, Agnes of God, Dear Liar, Lunch Time and Halloween, Story Theatre, Second City, Come Blow Your Horn. Television: As Rhoda Morgenstern (“Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Rhoda”) she received worldwide acclaim, earning four Emmys, a Golden Globe, Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, and a Golden Apple Award. She starred in three other series: “The Office” (CBS), “City” (CBS), “Valerie” (later “The Hogan Family,” NBC) and in 20 TV movies. Guest-starring roles include “2 Broke Girls,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Sex and the City,” “’Til Death,” “Committed,” “Less Than Perfect,” “Family Law,” “Three Sisters,” “That ‘70s Show,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Promised Land,” “Melrose Place,” “Missing Persons,” “The Love Boat,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Columbo,” “Love American Style,” and is currently shooting episodes for the Comedy Central series “Children’s Hospital.” Film: Golda’s Balcony, Blame It on Rio, Chapter Two, Freebie and the Bean, The Last Married Couple in America. Valerie works with the Hunger Project and RESULTS for sustainable end of world hunger. She’s married to producer Tony Cacciotti, and they have a wonderful daughter, Cristina.

JAMES BEAMAN (Cookie McGee) is delighted to be back at Ogunquit Playhouse, where he last appeared in the record-breaking Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and before that as star of La Cage Aux Folles opposite Maxwell Caulfield. James starred as Sir Robin in the First National Tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot and has created roles in two new musicals, Frog Kiss and The Road To Qatar! (Off Broadway/Cast Album). Recent credits include Thénardier in Les Misérables at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre (Broadway World Award); John Adams in 1776 at Cape Playhouse, and Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher at Pioneer Theatre Company. He has played leading and featured roles at The Kennedy Center, Goodspeed Musicals, North Shore Music Theatre, Gateway Playhouse and many more. Visit James at jamesbeaman.com.

STEVE BRADY (Senator Max Evergreen) is delighted to be spending part of his summer with Ogunquit Playhouse. He just came from Rock of Ages at Gateway Playhouse on Long Island. He's performed on Broadway, Inherit the Wind;

Off -Broadway, Bill W. and Dr. Bob at Soho Playhouse; The Power of Darkness at The Mint; A Dangerous Personality, Perry Street; Poor Beast in the Rain, Irish Arts. Steve toured nationally in The Exonerated, world-wide with West Side Story, and Germany as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Regional credits include Shakespeare Theatre Company, DC. Syracuse Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse, Rep Theatre of St. Louis, Baltimore Center Stage, The Wilma, Triad Stage and many more.

ELYSE COLLIER (Jeannie Muldoon) Fresh off of the Nice Work...1st National Tour (Alice u/s Jeannie u/s Eileen), Elyse is delighted to “Do it Again!” Regional Credits; Lyric Theatre Oklahoma: A Chorus Line (Judy) 42nd Street, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Olney Theatre Center: A Chorus Line (Judy). BFA from The Boston Conservatory. Special thanks to everyone involved in this show! Love you Mom, Dad and Peter! #GODisgood! elysecollier.com

WILLIE DEE (Elliot) is a native of Dallas, TX. BFA, Sam Houston State University. Currently fresh off the Anything Goes National Tour (Sailor, Purser u/s) he has also toured with Shrek (Papa Bear, Donkey u/s), A Chorus Line (Richie), Hairspray (Thad). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, McCarter Theatre Center, and Flat Rock Playhouse and Pearl Theatre Company. HUGE thanks to my amazing family! Proudly represented by MSA Agency.

AARON FRIED (Duke Mahoney) Tours: Nice Work If You Can Get It (Duke), The Addams Family (Caveman, u/s Fester), Grease (Roger). New York: Sowa’s Red Gravy (Jeremiah). Regional favorites: Grease (Theatre By The Sea), Hairspray (New Bedford Festival Theatre), Avenue Q (Smithtown PAC), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Prather Entertainment Group), Pajama Game (Cortland Repertory Theatre), The Full Monty (Barn Theatre). Training: Ithaca College, BFA. Thanks to Joe, all of my friends and family for their endless support!

VALTON JACKSON (Chief Berry) is a southern boy all the way from Columbus, GA with a BA in Theatre from Berea College. National Tours: Guys & Dolls (Ensemble). Regional: Tarzan (Leopard), A Chorus Line (Richie), Lessons on the A Train (Alonso) directed by Mr. Reg E. Gaines, Joseph…Dreamcoat (Judah), Twilight in Harlem (featured dancer) with Ms. Carmen de Lavallade, State Fair (Hank Munson), and Nutcracker: Rated R (Fritz/Male Ingénue). Film & Television: "Trial of Barnaby Finch" (Shiva), "Snooki & Jwoww," and "Boardwalk Empire." He was a lead vocalist for two contracts with Royal Caribbean International, and in February 2013 Valton was an underwear model in Adrian Alicea’s “CHRYSALIS” for New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Endless love and gratitude to Mama, Devin, friends, and family for all their support.

MATTHEW J. KILGORE (Slim) is thrilled to return to Ogunquit for the summer! Ogunquit: Cage aux Folles. oadway: ite Christmas. Off-Broadway: pe Dream (sst. chor.) No, No, Nanette. urs: ICAGO, Fiddler on the Roof, Evita, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph..., Jesus Christ Superstar, 42nd Street. lm/TV: "ash, The Big Gay Musical." hanks to the Nice Work team and my agents at bloc. Thank u r supporting live theater! Proud AEA member since 2001! matthewkilgore.net

NOELLE MARION (Flo) is proud to make her Ogunquit debut! Favorite credits include: Penny - Hairspray (Tuacahn), Inga - Young Frankenstein (Moonlight), Patsy - Girl Crazy (Musical Theatre Guild), Lady Larken - Once Upon a Mattress (Cabrillo Music Theatre), Suzy - Winter Wonderettes (Welk Resort), Lily St. Regis - Annie (Cabrillo Music Theatre), Kitty - The Drowsy Chaperone (The Norris), Thank you to the incredible production staff for this opportunity, to everyone at ATB for their continued trust, to my family for their eternal love, and to you for supporting the arts. NoelleMarion.com

ANDREW METZGAR (Floyd) Ogunquit debut! Tours: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (3 seasons), Shrek the Musical. Other: John W. Engeman Theater, Maine State Music Theatre, Woodstock Playhouse. BFA in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College. Thank you Eddie/Take 3 Talent and everyone involved in casting for this opportunity. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Donna, and Baayork for your endless love and support.

KRISTINA MILLER (Rosie) is excited for her Ogunquit debut! Past credits: Teresa - Barbie Live! (Original Cast, Int. Tour), Josephine - Big Fish (Regional Premiere), Cheryl Ann - Catch Me if You Can (WC Premiere), Ang - Serrano the Musical (World Premiere) LA Theatre: Susan - In The Boom Boom Room, Lulu - ModRock, Vivienne - Legally Blonde, Cindy Lou - The Marvelous Wonderettes and Audrey - Little Shop of Horrors. Kristina also produced her own cabaret, Kristina…Out Loud! A special thanks to Peggy, Larry and Ogunquit Playhouse for this epic opportunity. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Stephen, Mary and Chris for their never ending support. millerkristina.com

BREIGHANNA MINNEMA (Eileen Evergreen) is a recent graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She was last seen as Meg in The Bully at Vital Theatre Company. She also starred in Amas Musical Theatre’s production of Gotta Getta Girl as Debbie Ross. She has performed at 54 Below in Sam Underwood: A Second Impression and cabarets for the Theatre Guild of the New York Athletic Club.

MADISON MITCHELL (Olive) is elated to be performing on the Ogunquit stage this summer! National Tour: Cats (30th Anniversary-Demeter). Regional: Les Miserables (Factory Girl) and Cats (Jellylorum/Griddlebone; MRE), Damn Yankees (Lola u/s; 3DT), The Light in the Piazza (SCR), Monty Python’s Spamalot! (MTW), Catch Me… (Moonlight), and the World Premiere of Higher Education produced by Tony Award winners, Tim and Pamela Kashani (Celeste). Thanks to Larry, Peggy, Charlie, Gateway, Ogunquit, and the ladies at BBR! Much love to friends and family, and praise to God for all His blessings. Col. 3:17

ASHLEA POTTS (Midge) is thrilled to return to the Ogunquit stage! She was previously seen in last summer's production of Mary Poppins. Ashlea received her BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University. Regional Credits: Mary Poppins (Gateway/Ogunquit Playhouse), The Who’s Tommy (Arkansas Rep), Eurydice, Spamalot, and The Drowsy Chaperone (Cape Rep), Aida, Beauty and the Beast (Artpark). Commercial Credit: Definitions Gym. TV/Hosting: Prestige Jewelry Club. Ashlea wants to thank Craig, Bernadette and everyone at Avalon Artists. All her love to her parents, Danielle, and B for their continuous support

HEATHER STINSON (Alice) First National Tour: Nice Work If You Can Get It (Midge u/s Billie, Eileen); Favorite credits include: Urinetown (Hope), The Legend of New York, Carousel, Sweet Smell of Success, Fiorello!, The Most Happy Fella. NYU Steinhardt, B.M. in Vocal Performance. Special thanks to The Price Group and the Ogunquit/Gateway team. Love to my family, friends, and especially Mom and Dad.

MATTHEW J. VARGO (Assoc. Choreographer/ Fletcher/ Dance Captain) Broadway: Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol (Original Cast Recording) and CATS (Longest Running Show and Final Cast). National Tours: Young Frankenstein (Igor understudy), White Christmas (Phil Davis understudy), The Producers (Carmen Ghia understudy) and the revival production of Kiss Me, Kate (Gremio). Regional Credits: Spamalot (Ensemble) and The Wedding Singer (George) at MTW and The Producers at the Hollywood Bowl, for which Matthew was an Assistant Choreographer to Susan Stroman. Matthew is a proud member of Actor’s Equity since 1988, as well as a member of SAG/AFTRA. Matthew has worked as a Director, Choreographer, Dance Captain, Swing, Understudy, and Dance & Pilates Instructor.

KENT ZIMMERMAN (Vic) Broadway: Annie Get Your Gun, Thou Shalt Not. London: Show Boat. National Tours: The Producers, Guys and Dolls, Footloose, Show Boat. Regional: Spamalot, It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman!, Cabaret, Joseph & the Amazing…, Randy Newman’s Faust, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, Grease, Ragtime, Smokey Joe’s Café, Chicago, West Side Story, White Christmas, Peter Pan, Funny Girl, Wizard of Oz. Film/TV: “The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Producers: The Movie,” “My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs.” Much love and thanks to Larry, Peggy and the Ogunquit/Gateway teams! Psalms 91:11

GEORGE GERSHWIN (Composer) was born in Brooklyn in 1898, and began his musical training at 13. At 16, he quit high school to work for a music publisher, and soon was writing songs himself. The Gershwins’ shows include: Lady Be Good, Oh, Kay!, Strike Up the Band, Girl Crazy, and the Pulitzer Prize winning Of Thee I Sing. George’s classical masterpieces include: “Rhapsody In Blue,” “Concerto In F,” "An American In Paris" and "Second Rhapsody.” In the late ‘20s, George became fascinated by the DuBose Heyward novel "Porgy," recognizing it was a perfect vehicle for opera using jazz and blues idioms. The folk opera Porgy and Bess had its Broadway premiere in October of 1935. In 1937, George was at the height of his career. While working on the score of The Goldwyn Follies in Hollywood, he collapsed and died of a brain tumor. He was not quite 39 years old.

IRA GERSHWIN (Lyrics), the first songwriter to receive a Pulitzer Prize (Of Thee I Sing, 1932), was born in New York in 1896. He wrote hundreds of songs for Broadway and Hollywood, the majority with his brother, George, but many in collaboration with composers Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Kurt Weill, Harry Warren, Burton Lane, Vernon Duke, and others. Nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Song, Ira also took great pride in his contributions to Porgy and Bess (1935), and in his acclaimed book, Lyrics on Several Occasions (1959). Ira died in 1983 at the age of 86.

JOE DiPIETRO (Book) has won two Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award and 2 Outer Critics Awards. His new comedy, “Clever Little Lies,” starring Marlo Thomas, debuts Off-Broadway this fall. His new historical drama, “The Second Mrs. Wilson,” plays at George Street Playhouse, also in the fall. Broadway: Nice Work If You Can Get It, Memphis, All Shook Up, Living on Love. Off-Broadway: The Toxic Avenger, The Thing About Men, Over the River and Through the Woods, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Regional: Chasing the Song (La Jolla Playhouse,) Ernest Shackleton Loves Me (Arts Emerson,) The Last Romance (Old Globe,) Creating Claire (George Street Playhouse.) His musical Memphis is currently playing in the West End. He sits on the board of Only Make Believe, a charity dedicated to bringing interactive, therapeutic theatre to chronically ill children.

LARRY RABEN (Director) directed the world premiere of Tony-winner Joe DiPietro’s Falling For Eve Off-Broadway (York Theatre). Most recently he directed Buyer & Cellar (Coyote StageWorks). He won the LA Ovation Award for Best Direction for Singin’ In The Rain (Cabrillo). Regionally: Catch Me If You Can (Moonlight Amphitheater), When You Wish -The Story of Walt Disney (Freud Theatre), Plaid Tidings (Walnut St. Theatre), Tru, Greater Tuna, A Tuna Christmas -all desert Star Awards Best Director (CSW), The Thing About Men, Hairspray, The Wedding Singer, Never Gonna Dance (MTW), Always Patsy Cline (Welk), Love Makes The World Go Round (Phoenix Theatre), Sweet Charity in Buenos Aires (Best director Ace nominee), Bark! (Inland Empire Award Best Direction), Nuttin’ But Hutton (NoHo Arts). He wrote and directed Rodger & Hart & Hammerstein for Reprise! Larry is also a published children’s book author of Ibby Makes A Wish which is available on amazon.com.

PEGGY HICKEY (Choreographer) Broadway: The 2014 Tony Award-winning Best New Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder for which she was also nominated for an Outer Critics Circle and Astaire Award for Best Choreography. New York Theater: Most Happy Fella, La Rondine, Leonard Bernstein Tribute. New York City Opera: My Fair Lady starring Kelsey Grammer, Brian Dennehy and Kelli O'Hara. The King and I, Chatalet, Paris. Regional: Kiss Me Kate, A Gentleman’s Guide (Hartford Stage, Old Globe) Midsummer Night’s Dream for The Old Globe. 6 shows for Goodspeed Musicals. 25 years with Los Angeles Opera, most recently The Ghosts of Versailles starring Patricia Racette and Patti Lupone. Recently directed and choreographed Hansel and Gretel, and Cinderella at Lincoln Center. The Brady Bunch Movie and an MTV award for Beck’s New Pollution. Peggy is on the faculty in the Theatre, film and television department at UCLA. peggyhickey.com

CHARLIE REUTER (Music Director) conducted the first national tour of Nice Work If You Can Get It and served as assistant conductor for the Tony Award-winning musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (The Old Globe) and Dreamgirls (The Muny) starring Jennifer Holliday. He holds an MFA in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University, and studied orchestral conducting at The Juilliard School. He has performed on the Disney Cruise Line and helped develop Peter and the Starcatcher at the La Jolla Playhouse. Credits as music director include: Miss Saigon (Moonlight); Sweeney Todd (Cygnet); The Light in the Piazza (LPT); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe).

DEREK McLANE (Original Broadway Scenic Design) Broadway: Beautiful, The Heiress, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Best Man, Follies, Anything Goes, How to Succeed in Business..., Bengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo...., Million Dollar Quartet, Ragtime, 33 Variations, Grease, Little Women, The Pajama Game, I Am My Own Wife, The Women, Present Laughter. Recently designed the 2013 Oscars, and the 2014 Oscars, as well as NBC’s Sound of Music Live. Awards: OBIE, Lucille Lortel, Tony, Drama Desk.

SHOKO KAMBARA (Scenic Design) Recent Work includes: Don Pasquale (Juilliard School), 7th Monarch (Off-Broadway, Acorn Theater), Turn of the Screw (Syracuse Stage), 1-888 Dial India (Various Theaters, Mumbai), Bombitty of Errors (Syracuse Stage), Shining City (Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Las Vegas). Broadway Associate Scenic Design Work: Macbeth, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Man and Boy, How to Succeed...,Million Dollar Quartet, The Miracle Worker, Ragtime, 33 Variations. Education: MFA, NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

shokokambara.viewbook.com

MARTIN PAKLEDINAZ (Costume Design) Broadway: Chaplin, Nice Work If You Can Get It (Tony nomination), The Normal Heart, Anything Goes (Tony nomination), The Pajama Game (Tony nomination), Lend Me a Tenor (Hewes Award, Tony and Outer Critics nominations), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Blithe Spirit (Tony Award winner), Kiss Me, Kate (Tony Award winner). Off Broadway: The Glass Menagerie (Lortel nomination - starring Judith Ivey), The Wild Party (Lippa), Golden Child, Kimberly Akimbo, The Life. Opera credits include works at Metropolitan Opera, Juilliard, Paris Opera/Bastille, Salzburg, Paris/Chatelet, Santa Fe, Helsinki, Madrid; works throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. Dance: Mark Morris Dance Group, SF Ballet, Boston Ballet, Arizona Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet. Awards: two Tonys, Drama Desk, Obie, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes Award

RICHARD LATTA (Lighting Design) created the lighting for last season's The Addams Family, Mary Poppins (Ogunquit and Music Hall Portsmouth), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Music Hall Portsmouth) and Grease. Recent work includes: El Posada Nunca Se Termina (Projections, Chicago Lyric Opera), Twas the Night before Christmas, The 39 Steps, Hasbro Toy Fair 2015 and Newark Arts Ballet 2015. Previous work includes: Cabaret (Engeman Theatre, Maltz Jupiter, Ogunquit) projection research for the opera Moby Dick (Houston, SF, Sydney, Kennedy Center), Thurgood, The People In The Picture (Broadway), Fiddler on the Roof (Engeman, Ogunquit) Legally Blonde (Ogunquit). He proudly salutes all his Ogunquit friends who helped make the Playhouse what it is today.

KEVIN HEARD (Sound Design) is delighted to return to Ogunquit for his third show after previously designing The Addams Family and Mary Poppins (at The Music Hall). Kevin’s other design credits include: Broadway: The Country House (Associate), All The Way (Associate). Off-Broadway: For The Last Time, Long Story Short, The Underclassman, Jasper in Deadland (Associate), Clinton The Musical (Associate). He has designed or engineered well over 100 productions with companies from coast to coast including ACT Theatre, Book-It Rep, George Street Playhouse, The Guthrie, INTIMAN Theatre Festival, On the Boards, The Ogunquit Playhouse, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare Company, the cabaret-cirque extravaganza Teatro ZinZanni, and Village Theatre. (HeardAudio.com)

BRITT E. GRIFFITH (Hair and Makeup Design) is thrilled to return to the Ogunquit family for a second season. She has been working professionally in theater/film for the last 13 years, and spent the past winter working for The Cincinnati Arts Association at the Aaronoff Center. Britt has been on the International Tour of The Addams Family, and the National Tours of 39 Steps, Cabaret, and Oz: The Musical. Favorite regional design credits include: Billy Elliot, Mary Poppins, The Witches of Eastwick, Beauty and the Beast, and The Drowsy Chaperone. She would like to thank her nearest and dearest for always supporting her, with a special thanks to Mommy Dearest for being her

biggest fan.

JOHN “JP” POLLARD (Production Stage Manager) got his start in the theatre over 30 years ago while working alongside the likes of Kaye Ballard, Imogene Coca, Cesar Romero, Evelyn Keyes, Jan Sterling, Betty Garrett and many others at Earl Holliman’s Fiesta Dinner Playhouse, in his hometown of San Antonio, TX. He recently completed 3 seasons at The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA, and joins us directly from the 2014-2015 season at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, UT. Career highlights include: stage managing the seven-month, SRO San Francisco run of “The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life In The Universe” starring Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Lily Tomlin, four seasons at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse, and an International tour of Grease - Das Musical which toured Germany and Switzerland. In addition to theatre, he has also spent time as personal assistant to actress Sarah Jessica Parker. Proud Equity member since 1983.

SUZANNE APICELLA (Assistant Stage Manager) Broadway: Burn the Floor, Fun Home; National Tours: Kinky Boots, The Addams Family, Rock of Ages, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, The Producers; NYC/Regional: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (MSG), Rock of Ages (Gateway Playhouse), Carnival (Goodspeed Theatre), Toys in the Attic, Biography (Pearl Theatre), Metamorphoses (FST).

JEFFREY CAMPOS (Associate Music Director) National Tours: Jekyll & Hyde, A Chorus Line, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, Annie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Regionally: The Witches of Eastwick, Grease, Thoroughly Modern Mille, Joseph…Dreamcoat, 9 to 5, Damn Yankees, South Pacific, Legally Blonde, Summer of Love, Sunset Boulevard (Ogunquit Playhouse); The Prima Donnettes, Too Darn Hot (Florida Studio Theatre), Mame (Cohoes). NYC: A Stoop on Orchard Street (off-Bway), NYC Mayor's Awards for Arts and Culture, Jack Perry is Alive (and Dating) (Ars Nova), Show Choir (NYC Fringe), A New Generation of Song (NYMF), The Secret Garden, Human Comedy, Lucky Stiff, Triumph of Love, A New Brain, Forever Plaid, Proof (Astoria Performing Arts Center), Violet, The Wild Party, Like You Like It, City of Angels (Gallery Players), Jesus Christ Superstar (Producer's Club). Orchestrations: Broadway Backwards (American Airlines Theatre). Developmental grant recipient from the Queens Council for the Arts for his musical The Man in the Iron Mask.

BRIAN J. SWASEY (Associate Producer) Brian is originally from South Portland, Maine and is 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. NYC developmental projects have included: the rock musical The 12, being produced at The Denver Center in the Spring of 2015, and a new holiday musical entitled Tim and Scrooge which is slated to play Westchester Broadway Theatre for Christmas of 2015. Also, 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 Maine Street in Ogunquit, ME.

TIMOTHEY SULLIVAN (Production Manager) 2015 marks Tim’s second season with the Playhouse. Prior to joining the OPH team, he worked for several years as a producer for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, producing Broadway staples such as Broadway Backwards and Broadway Bares. Previous to his time at BC/EFA, Tim was the Production Director for the Tony Award winning Intiman Theatre in Seattle. He has also served as Production Manager for the Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA Program as well as the Drama Desk award winning Mint Theater. He has worked on production teams for several Broadway shows & national tours, as well as the American Repertory Theatre, Trinity Rep, The Public, Lucille Lortel and New World Stages. He is also the Associate Director & Production Stage Manager for Charles Busch’s annual off-Broadway production of Times Square Angel. As an Educator, Tim has taught at Bridgewater State University, Brown University and Harvard University’s Institute for Advanced Theatre Training; as well as teaching courses and seminars at various high schools and colleges throughout the United States.

GEOF DOLAN (Technical Director) is returning for his 9th season as the 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 and received 2014 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Scenic Design in Maine for his work on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Robert Kovach original design.) 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 5 years he split his seasons between Maine and Florida, working the same technical areas for the Orlando Shakespeare, but now stays with the theater year round. His wife, Cheryl (Scenic Charge Artist at the Playhouse for 8 seasons), has designed award-winning parade floats and designs many of the Children’s Theater Shows. His "born-in-a trunk" 14 yr. old daughter Ashlynn is an aspiring actress, musician and artist who can definitely call the Playhouse her second home.

CHERYL DOLAN (Resident Scenic Artist) is excited to be returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse for her 8th season. After taking over as Resident Scenic Charge 6 years ago, she has designed several children's theater 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 South Portland. Since falling in love with the Ogunquit Playhouse, Cheryl, her husband Geof Dolan (the Ogunquit Playhouse Technical Director) and their daughter Ashlynn, who is a budding children's theater actress, have made the Seacoast their home year-round. Cheryl considers the staff at OPH her family and hopes that her love and passion for theater is translated through the productions to all of you.

MOLLY WALZ (Costume Shop Supervisor/Costume Coordinator) is a native of Dayton, OH, and has worked as a costume manager, technician, and designer all over the country. Most recently she was the costume shop manager at Orlando Repertory Theatre and a costume and wig designer for the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, before going on tour with In the Mood as a wardrobe supervisor. Other past companies include: the Garden Theater, College Light Opera Company, and Allenberry Playhouse, among others. Molly holds a degree from Kent State University in costume design and technology with a minor in history. Thank you to the incredible staff here at the playhouse and my family for their constant support. MollyWalz.com

BRADFORD T. KENNEY (Executive Artistic Director) is a New England based artistic director, producer, stage and film director, and artist. Since joining the Ogunquit Playhouse in 2005, the Playhouse has doubled its audience growing from a single season summer stock theatre into one of the Northeast’s pre-eminent regional theatres with a three season performance schedule. During his stewardship, the Playhouse has garnered a number of awards and honors including the Moss Hart Award, Regional Theatre Award for Outstanding Achievement in the American Theatre from the New England Theatre Conference, multiple IRNE award nominations 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 also at Carnegie Hall. In New England, Mr. Kenney has been proud to be associated with a number of different theatre companies. Ogunquit highlights include Damn Yankees starring Carson Kressley, Sunset Blvd starring Stefanie Powers, Charles Shaughnessy and Rachel York in Monty Python’s Spamalot, Jefferson Mays in My Fair Lady, Lorenzo Lamas in The King and I, Rue McClanahan in Crazy for You, Sally Struthers in Hello, Dolly! and Andrea McArdle in Cabaret. 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, Rhode Island School of Design, Heartwood College of Art, and Maine College of Art. His artwork is represented by the Sea Bell Gallery, Shore Road, Ogunquit, Maine.

ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. actorsequity.org

TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. has been licensing musical shows since 1925. Its catalog contains many of the greatest musicals in the history of the Broadway stage including seventeen Tony Award winners for Best Musical. Tams-Witmark began licensing shows written by the legendry composers/lyricists of the first part of the 20th century including Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, and Jerome Kern. By the 1950s and 1960s, Tams-Witmark acquired rights to many of the most popular musicals of that era including My Fair Lady, Hello, Dolly!, and Oliver!. Tams-Witmark also acquired rights to Bye Bye Birdie, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and created the stage version of the legendary MGM motion picture of The Wizard of Oz. All of these shows remain among the most widely produced musicals. In the decades that followed, Tams-Witmark added Broadway musical classics to its catalog including A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, and Crazy For You. In recent years, Tams-Witmark expanded its library in different directions and has added musicals to its catalog, such as A Charlie Brown Christmas, Lysistrata Jones, and Calvin Berger, a delightful musical that recreates the story of Cyrano de Bergerac in a modern high school. Tams-Witmark also licenses the Gershwin musical Nice Work If You Can Get It. In the last two years, Tams Witmark has also released versions of The Wizard of Oz, Bye Bye Birdie, and Crazy For You designed specifically for presentation by young performers appropriately called the Young Performers’ Edition. Tams-Witmark also expects to release a Young Performers’ Edition for Anything Goes in 2015 and additional titles in the coming years. You can visit Tams-Witmark at tamswitmark.com and on its Facebook page.

Valerie Harper and Sally Struthers to Join Cast of Nice Work If You Can Get It, the Sparkling New Gershwin Musical Comedy on Stage at the Ogunquit Playhouse

For Immediate Release:

July 10, 2015

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to announce that star of stage, screen and television Valerie Harper will join the cast in the role of the wealthy and stylish Millicent Winter in the delightful Nice Work If You Can Get It on stage July 22 to August 15. Also joining the cast is two-time Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers as the Duchess Estonia, a temperance enforcer who is set against a gang of bootleggers in this madcap musical comedy set during the Roaring Twenties. This brand-new musical written by Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro is based on material by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse and was nominated in 2012 for 10 Tony Awards, winning two. This high-stepping Broadway musical recalls the golden age of American musicals, complete with extravagant dance numbers, glittering Broadway costumes and a treasure trove of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved songs, including “But Not For Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

This sparkling tale combines laughter, romance and Broadway magic for an evening bursting with girls, glamour and the glorious songs of the Gershwins. The champagne is flowing and the gin is fizzing with a cast of outrageous characters who gather in New York City to celebrate the wedding of wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter, played by Joey Sorge, whose world is suddenly turned upside down by bootleggers, rumrunners and gold diggers thanks to the feisty street-wise Billie Bendix, played by Amanda Lea LaVergne, and the fast-talking, wise-cracking bootlegger Cookie McGee played by James Beaman

Television icon Valerie Harper makes her Ogunquit Playhouse debut in the role of Millicent Winter, who pressures her son Jimmy to marry someone respectable or she will disinherit him. She began her career on Broadway as a dancer and went on to study and perform with Chicago’s Second City Theatre before landing the role of Rhoda Morgenstern in the hit television series The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which led to her own television series Rhoda. Harper went on to appear in multiple television shows and films including another series Valerie, as well as the TV shows Touched by an Angel, Sex and the City and That '70s Show, the films Freebie and the Bean, The Last Married Couple in America, Blame it on Rio and the television movies Mary and Rhoda with Mary Tyler Moore, Thursday’s Game with Gene Wilder and The Shadowbox directed by Paul Newman. For her work Harper received eight Emmy Award nominations, four Emmy Awards, ten Golden Globe nominations and two Golden Globe Awards. In 2007 she returned to the stage to portrayed former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in a national tour of the one-person show Golda's Balcony. In 2010, she returned to Broadway to star as actress Tallulah Bankhead in the play Looped, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress.

Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winning actress Sally Struthers returns to Ogunquit to portray prohibitionist Duchess Estonia Dulworth. Struthers is best known for her comedic roles and is a highly acclaimed actress of stage, television and screen, winning two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for her performances in television’s groundbreaking series All in the Family. She starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5, her own CBS series Gloria and had recurring roles in the CBS comedy Still Standing and the CW’s highly acclaimed Gilmore Girls. She recently performed the title role in the National Tour of Hello Dolly! Struthers has performed many roles at Ogunquit Playhouse including Louise Seger in Always, Patsy Cline, Mama Morton in Chicago, Paulette the hairdresser in Legally Blonde and last season as Felicia Gabriel in The Witches of Eastwick.

Starring as Jimmy Winter is Joey Sorge who was part of original Broadway casts of Nice Work If You Can Get It with Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara, and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He has also performed on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone, Thoroughly Modern Millie and as Young Buddy in the 2001 revival of Follies. Sorge was last seen at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Singin’ in the Rain and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Amanda Lea LaVergne returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse stage to play Billie Bendix after last appearing as Kathy Selden in Singin’ In the Rain and as Red Girl in Shout! The Mod Musical. She has appeared on Broadway in Annie, Grease, and The People In The Picture and she originated the role of Campbell in the world premiere of Bring It On the Musical in Atlanta.

Bootlegger Cookie McGee is played by James Beaman who starred as Sir Robin in the First National Tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot. He has created roles in two new musicals, Frog Kiss and The Road To Qatar!, and he has also appeared in regional theatres in the U.S. as Thénardier in Les Misérables, John Adams in 1776, and Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher, as well as many leading and featured roles at The Kennedy Center, Goodspeed Musicals, North Shore Music Theatre, and many more. He last appeared at the Ogunquit Playhouse in 2014 in Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story and in 2007 in La Cage aux Folles.

Directing the Ogunquit Playhouse production is Larry Raben who recently directed the world premiere of Tony-winner Joe DiPietro’s Falling For Eve Off-Broadway and won the LA Ovation Award for Best Direction for Singin’ In The Rain. Raben has helmed many shows throughout the U.S. including Catch Me If You Can, Hairspray, The Wedding Singer, Always Patsy Cline.

Peggy Hickey joins the creative team as Choreographer. She recently choreographed the 2014 multi-Tony Award winning A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, for which she was also nominated for an Outer Critics Circle and Astaire Award for Best Choreography. She also choreographed My Fair Lady for the New York City Opera starring Kelsey Grammer, Brian Dennehy and Kelli O’Hara, as well as directed and choreographed Hansel and Gretel, and Cinderella at Lincoln Center. She has choreographed shows for 25 years with Los Angeles Opera, most recently The Ghosts of Versailles starring Patricia Racette and Patti LuPone.

Musical Director is Charlie Reuter who conducted the First National Tour of Nice Work If You Can Get It and served as assistant conductor for the Tony Award-winning musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder as well as Dreamgirls at The Muny starring Jennifer Holliday.

The Ogunquit Playhouse will produce three more Broadway musicals in 2015. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about the iconic jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, Million Dollar Quartet, is on stage August 19 to September 19. Saturday Night Fever, with a newly revised book and musical arrangements, comes to life on stage from September 23 to October 25. The Irving Berlin classic White Christmas will be presented just in time for the holidays, December 9 to 20 at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Mark your calendars now and get ready to see every show this year. Tickets are on sale now. Prices start at $44 per show. To learn more about becoming a Playhouse member, or to purchase tickets and gift certificates, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.com or call the Ogunquit Playhouse Box Office at 207-646-5511.

PHOTO CAPTION:

1. Noelle Marion, Heather Stinson, Elyse Collier, Joey Sorge as Jimmy Winter, Ashlea Potts, Madison Mitchell, Kristina Miller in Nice Work If You Can Get It / photo by Gary Ng

2. Amanda Lea LaVergne as Billie Bendix and Joey Sorge as Jimmy Winter in Nice Work If You Can Get It / photo by Gary Ng

3. Sally Struthers as Duchess Estonia Dulworth with Vice Squad in Nice Work If You Can Get It / photo by Jeff Bellante

4. Valerie Harper as Millicent Winter in Nice Work If You Can Get It / photo by Gary Ng

5. Breighanna Minnema as Eileen Evergreen and ensemble in Nice Work If You Can Get It / photo by Gary Ng

6. Valerie Harper (headshot)

7. Sally Struthers (headshot)

It is 1927, and we are in the midst of a riotous bachelor party for the oft-married Jimmy Winter (SWEET AND LOWDOWN.) Outside, a trio of bootleggers—Cookie, Billie and Duke—are trying to figure out where to hide the 400 cases of gin they have stashed on their boat. As a stranger approaches, Duke and Cookie rush off. A drunken Jimmy staggers on and comes across the pants-wearing Billie and is immediately smitten. He explains his plight—he must marry someone respectable or his mother will disinherit him, so he’s marrying a woman he doesn’t truly love. Billie isn’t all that interested in his tale of woe, until he reveals that he has a huge Long Island beach house that he never uses, so she swipes his wallet to discover the address. Jimmy assumes Billie is falling for him, but Billie insists that love is for suckers. Jimmy vehemently disagrees (NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT.) Jimmy passes out, and Billie reflects on this interesting man unconscious on the ground before her (NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT-reprise.) Cookie and Duke rush back on, and Billie tells them that she found a place to store their bootleg—a Long Island beach house! A police whistle pierces the air, and the bootleggers scatter. Senator Max Evergreen and Chief Berry enter, along with Duchess Estonia Dulworth, who has brought along her Vice Squad and vows to rid society of its greatest evil (DEMON RUM.)

The next morning, Billie, Cookie and Duke have stored their 400 cases of gin into the cellar of Jimmy’s ritzy beach house. Eileen Evergreen, the finest interpreter of modern dance in the world, enters with Jimmy. They were married that morning, and they are on their honeymoon, though Eileen has yet to allow Jimmy to touch her. Cookie, disguised as a butler, enters and they naturally assume he’s their servant. They send him off, and Eileen tells Jimmy that she’s ready for the honeymoon shenanigans to begin—as soon as she takes a bath. She exits into the house as Billie enters, stunned to see Jimmy. Jimmy has no memory of meeting her last night, and as Jimmy flirts with her, Billie confesses that she’s never been kissed. Strictly for educational purposes, Jimmy kisses Billie, and she realizes what she’s been missing (SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME.)

Four and a half hours later, Eileen is still bathing (DELISHIOUS.) In the ritzy living room, Cookie and Billie devise a plan for Billie to distract Jimmy from the 400 cases of gin in his cellar. Billie runs off as Jimmy enters, followed by a gaggle of chorus girls who invite him for a group swim, which Jimmy almost accepts (I’VE GOT TO BE THERE.) Eileen enters with a flourish, and just as she is about to let Jimmy touch her, he receives a telegram revealing that his last wife refused to sign their annulment, and an irate Eileen storms off to get her father. That night in Jimmy’s ritzy bedroom, Billie breaks in and tries to seduce him, badly (TREAT ME ROUGH.) Chief Berry, who has been pursuing Billie, barges in to arrest her. But Jimmy convinces him that Billie is actually his newest wife (LET’S CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF) and Billie and Jimmy are forced to spend the night together in his bedroom.

The next morning, Jeannie, a happy-go-lucky chorus girl, comes upon Duke, a lug from New Jersey, and mistakes him for an actual English duke. Duke, who is perpetually nervous around women, tries to escape, but Jeannie does everything in her power to get him to notice her (DO IT AGAIN.)

In the ritzy living room, Jimmy and Billie realize that they are hopelessly in love (S’WONDERFUL.) But Eileen returns with her father—the ultra-conservative Senator Evergreen—and her aunt—the Duchess Estonia Dulworth—to demand that Jimmy and Eileen have a legal wedding. Jimmy has no choice but to marry Eileen, and Billie pretends to be a cockney maid so she can stick around and guard the bootleg. As Eileen beelines towards the cellar to get the wedding china, Jimmy and Cookie frantically distract the wedding party away from the basement (FASCINATING RHYTHM) as the curtain falls.

On the ritzy terrace, the Vice Squad and Chorus Girls revel (LADY BE GOOD-instrumental.) Billie enters and realizes she’ll never be as happy as the dancing revelers around her (BUT NOT FOR ME.) Cookie and Duke enter and since they’re all now disguised as servants, they plot how they can get the impending wedding luncheon over and done as quickly as possible. The Duchess barrels on to instruct Cookie in the finer points of luncheon preparation. She insists on hiring a string quartet for entertainment, but Cookie has other ideas (BY STRAUSS/SWEET AND LOWDOWN-reprise.)

As Billie sets the ritzy luncheon table, Jimmy makes one last attempt to appease her (DO, DO, DO.) But Billie will have none of it. As the luncheon begins, Cookie and Duke are frantically serving the luncheon guests, and the Duchess continues to annoy Cookie, who spikes her lemonade with gin. Billie entertains them all with a cockney song (HANGIN’ AROUND WITH YOU) which mainly serves as an excuse to keep pouring hot soup on Jimmy’s lap. But Billie accidentally pours some steaming soup on Eileen, who immediately fires her. The Duchess, now happily drunk, defends Billie and reveals a deep secret as she grabs onto Cookie, climbs on the luncheon table, and swings from a chandelier (LOOKING FOR A BOY.) After Cookie drags off the Duchess, an angry Jimmy calls Billie a common criminal, and they realize that they can never be together. Jimmy goes to prepare for his wedding, as Jeannie enters looking for Duke, who Billy accidentally reveals isn’t a real duke. Jeannie is furious, so Duke tries to win her over with a poem (BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.) But Jeannie rushes away.

In the ritzy bedroom, Cookie is dressing Jimmy for his wedding as Billie enters to return his wallet. Jimmie and Billie both realize that this is the last time they’ll ever see each other (WILL YOU REMEMBER ME?) but Cookie has this idea…

The Chorus Girls and Vice Squad set up the wedding (I’VE GOT TO BE THERE—reprise.) As Senator Evergreen presides, Eileen makes her very grand entrance (I’VE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU.) But just before vows are exchanged, Cookie and Duke rush in, pretending to be Prohibition Agents, though Chief Berry quickly enters and reveals their true identities. As they’re about to be arrested, Jeannie rushes in and proclaims her love for Duke, then the now-sober Duchess proclaims her love for Cookie. Still, Senator Evergreen insists the bootleggers must be arrested, but Jimmy’s mother, Millicent, makes an appearance, revealing the true nature of her son’s heritage—Senator Evergreen is Jimmy’s father. The Senator proclaims the day a joyous one and all are free to pursue their new and surprising loves. Jimmy realizes that Billie has rushed to the boathouse to sail away forever, and he rushes to swear his devotion to her. Millicent follows and reveals that she happens to be the biggest rum runner on Long Island, and she’d like Billie to marry her son and take over her business. Billie happily accepts (SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME—reprise.) And on the ritzy terrace under a starry night, love has blossomed, the bootleg is opened and the company celebrates their new-found joy (THEY ALL LAUGHED!)

- from Tams-Whitmak