Ogunquit Playhouse Welcomes New Associate Producer

The Ogunquit Playhouse has announced the appointment of Brian Swasey to the position of Associate Producer. Brian is no stranger to the Playhouse as he directed the productions of The Berenstain Bears, and The Cat In The Hat. He is also no stranger to the seacoast area; he is originally from Portland, Maine, and is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Musical Theatre and Dance. Brian Swasey recently stated, "Growing up in New England, and seeing many shows at the Ogunquit Playhouse, I leapt at the chance to return to the area and become a part of the Playhouse family as the new Associate Producer."

Brian started his career as an actor and performed in many shows including The Drowsy Chaperone, Ragtime, Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby, and international tours of West Side Story. He later became the founding Artistic Director of The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC), which is now in its 15th season of producing new works, revivals of musicals, and community programing. Brian also served as the Associate Producer at Queens Theatre in the Park in Flushing, New York, and most recently as the Managing Director of The New York Theatre Barn. He has been a part of the development of many new projects including the new rock musical The 12 and a new holiday musical entitled Tim and Scrooge, which is slated to play Westchester Broadway Theatre for Christmas of 2015. Brian has also worked as both director and choreographer for many shows and worked as the Assistant Director for the NYC Revival of Die, Mommie, Die! 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.

Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney stated, "We are very excited to have Brian Swasey return to the Playhouse, now as one of the leaders of our theatrical operations. Brian's vast experience in theatre management will further enhance the Ogunquit Playhouse's position and relationships in the American Theatre Community."

As Associate Producer, Brian will oversee all theatrical operations for the Ogunquit Playhouse. His responsibilities will include the supervision of all casting, production coordination, hiring of stage managers, company management, music directors and all technical crew.

The Ogunquit Playhouse will produce 5 Broadway musicals for its stage in 2015. Opening the season is the musical comedy Sister Act, on stage May 20 to June 20. Featuring original music by Tony Award and 8-time Oscar Award winner Alan Menken, Sister Act is a sparkling smash hit musical comedy that the New York Post called "ridiculously fun." On stage from June 24 to July 18 is the 20th anniversary production of Victor/Victoria, the musical comedy based on the hit Blake Edwards film about a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. This classic musical comedy has all the glitz, all the glamour, all the laughs! The delightful Nice Work If You Can Get It hits the stage July 22 to August 15 with Ogunquit's favorite comic actress Sally Struthers as the town temperance enforcer set against a gang of bootleggers. This madcap musical comedy was nominated in 2012 for 10 Tony Awards, winning two, and features 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." The Ogunquit Playhouse is the first regional theatre in the country to produce Million Dollar Quartet, on stage August 19 to September 19. Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. The Ogunquit Playhouse is one of the first regional theatres in the nation to produce the mega-hit musical Saturday Night Fever with a newly revised book and musical arrangements that come to life on stage from September 23 to October 25. This fast-paced high-voltage musical will get you on your feet with its breathtaking and dazzling choreography and the songs from the chart-topping soundtrack, including "Stayin' Alive" and "You Should Be Dancing!" Building on the great partnership with the Music Hall in Portsmouth, the Ogunquit Playhouse will once again produce a holiday show for the historic theatre. The Irving Berlin classic White Christmas will be presented just in time for the holidays, December 9 to 20.

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.