Small Town: A John Mellencamp Jukebox Musical Premiering in Maine This Autumn
A brand-new jukebox musical showcasing the music of John Mellencamp is scheduled to debut in Maine this autumn. Titled Small Town and directed by Kathleen Marshall, the production will run at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine, from October 1 to November 1. The musical, written by Naomi Wallace, tells the story of Jack and Diane, two lovers, and features popular songs from Mellencamp's repertoire such as "Jack and Diane," "Hurts So Good," "Lonely Ol' Night," and "Small Town."
The casting for Small Town has not yet been revealed. Ogunquit Playhouse's Executive Artistic Director, Bradford Kenney, expressed excitement about premiering new works and collaborating with top-tier artists. The audience can anticipate a fresh take on Mellencamp's classic hits and the love story of Jack and Diane when the musical opens in October. Tickets for the show will be available for purchase starting on March 17.
Small Town has been in development for some time, with Mellencamp teasing the project in interviews since 2018. The official announcement of the musical's creation was made in 2019. This news follows closely on the heels of Mellencamp's announcement of the Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits, which commences on July 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and concludes on August 12 in Mountain View, California. For a full list of tour dates, visit JohnMellencamp.com.
In conclusion, fans of John Mellencamp's music can look forward to the premiere of Small Town, a jukebox musical featuring his iconic songs, at the Ogunquit Playhouse this fall. With a talented creative team at the helm, this production promises to deliver a unique and captivating experience for audiences.