The Ogunquit Playhouse is Bringing OPEN-AIR Theatre to Town this Summer

by Eric Taubert
Ogunquit Playhouse Open For 2021 Season

Have you been patiently awaiting the return of summer stock theatre to Ogunquit, Maine?

The Ogunquit Playhouse is creating a 25,000 square foot, open air venue (called “The Carol and Noel Leary 2021 Ogunquit Playhouse Pavilion”), that will be located on their south lawn. It will be a fully covered venue (from front to back) with a 75-foot wide stage that will be fully wired for lights and sound. DON’T MISS OUT: Click here to connect with Ogunquit Barometer on Instagram!

Learn More About The Ogunquit Playhouse 2021 Season

In accordance with State and Federal CDC guidelines, The Playhouse Pavilion has been designed to host a socially distanced audience. “Based on current social distance guidelines, there will be 26 rows of armless chairs, placed on a new ground covering, arranged in pods of two seats, each spaced six feet apart.

The design allows for more safe flow of traffic and optimal sight lines to the stage, with concession stands and restrooms for each zone of our seating. For the care of those around you, masking will be required at all times, except when eating or drinking.

In collaboration with State and Federal CDC, there are no plans to host any performances inside the Playhouse this year. LOVE OGUNQUIT ART? Click here to join our Ogunquit, Maine Art + Photography Group on Facebook!

Ogunquit Playhouse 2021 Season Q+A

What happened to the shows announced last Fall — Dirty Dancing, Clue, On Your Feet?

Every year we share our “titles under consideration,” knowing full well anything can happen between then and the start of the Season. This year was even more tentative given we had no guarantee if we would even be allowed to produce shows indoors. When it became apparent we had move outdoors to make our Season work, shows like Clue and On Your Feet were no longer feasible. Clue requires a tremendous amount of stage magic and special effects we couldn’t create outside, and On Your Feet is set in Miami and being performed outdoors in October would not work for the costuming and staging of our cast. Rest assured we will revisit all of these shows as potentials for our 2022 Season.

Will I have to show proof of vaccination to purchase tickets or attend a show?

No. While we are not requiring our audiences to provide their proof of vaccination, we encourage all of our patrons and guests to get vaccinated for their own safety and the safety of those around them. We are also making it clear that everyone on campus — staff, artists, and patrons alike — adhere to current State and Federal CDC guidelines for social distancing. Masks will be required at all times, except when eating and drinking. Masks will be provided to those who arrive without one.

How will groups larger than two be purchased and seated?

In designing The Pavilion, we explored all possibilities on what seating configuration would work best within that 25,000 square foot space, meet State and Federal health and safety guidelines, and still give our patrons the best theatrical experience possible. With more than 80% of our audiences purchasing in groups of two, it became obvious this was the way to go. Any groups larger than two are welcome to purchase multiple pods and will be seated six feet apart from each other. Our Box Office and ticketing system will be unable to sell single tickets within any given pod. Parties of three, five, or seven will have to purchase multiple pods and choose what to do with the remaining seat.

How will you handle days of inclement weather?

The Playhouse Pavilion is a steel structured, fully covered venue from front to back, with the sides open for ventilation. It is configured from East (front of stage) to West (back of the house) to limit exposure to the sun and wind. The Pavilion will be fully wired for lighting and sound, to provide the most effective and enjoyable theatre experience.

Will there be Children’s Theatre this year?

Yes there will! We have a full schedule of Summer camps and performances lined up. Visit our website to learn more!

Additional Information: Ticketing

Seating in The Pavilion is limited. With the possibility you’ll be seeing some very familiar faces on that stage, everyone is encouraged to purchase their tickets early!

Playhouse Members will receive a week of pre-sales beginning April 19 at 10AM ET. General Public sales begin April 26 online at ogunquitplayhouse.org and by phone at 207.646.5511.

Additional Information: 2021 Schedule of Shows

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT – JUN 16 – JUL 10

Ogunquit Playhouse - Monty Python's Spamalot

From the comedic brilliance of the mighty Pythons and their hysterically inaccurate retelling of King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail, Eric Idle adapts his original Broadway script to streamline the music and laughter for a COVID-friendly environment. And we won’t even require you to bring a shrubbery!

Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville – JUL 14 – AUG 28

Our Summer backyard bash shifts into cruise control with the Regional Premiere of ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. We’re dining on cheeseburgers in paradise and wasting away with this 90-minute no intermission journey through the music of the incomparable Jimmy Buffett.

Mystic Pizza – A New Musical – SEP 1 – OCT 2

Ogunquit Playhouse - Mystic Pizza

The Pavilion stage transforms into a quaint New England seacoast village for the World Premiere adaptation of this beloved 1980s MGM romantic comedy. Three girlfriends navigating life, love, and coming-of-age in a working class seaside pizza joint. These girls just wanna have fun and MYSTIC PIZZA is gonna be simply irresistible!

Young Frankenstein – OCT 6 – OCT 31

Ogunquit Playhouse - Young Frankenstein

The curtain comes down on our Pavilion stage by puttin’ on the Playhouse glitz as Transylvania mania overtakes Ogunquit this Halloween season. Mel Brooks and Susan Stroman’s frighteningly hilarious adventure returns in an abby-normal experience guaranteed to roll your troubles away. Sweet mystery of life this is gonna be a blast!

Disclaimer: Information is harvested (at time of publication) from publicly available sources and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed – any editorial content is solely opinion-based – availability, prices, details, dates, times, and etc are subject to change or withdrawal at any time and for any reason. All dimensions are approximate and have not been verified. All data should be independently verified.

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