Ogunquit Playhouse Announces 80th Anniversary Season, Sally Struthers Returns in ALWAYS PATSY CLINE

The Ogunquit Playhouse, America's Foremost Summer Theatre, is set to celebrate its 80^th Anniversary season May 23 to October 21, 2012. The lineup offers a mix of Broadway's most enduring musical classics, along with some of the hottest new shows on stage today. Executive Artistic Director, Bradford Kenney explains, "A milestone anniversary deserves a year made up of Broadway's greatest classics, retrospectives of The Playhouse's biggest hits, and of course a brand-new Broadway musical from one of America's greatest song writers, Dolly Parton." 

Guarantee the best seats for the lowest price by buying a season subscription today. Subscriptions start at only $228 and individual ticket prices range from $39-$74 per show. Purchase tickets, subscriptions and gift certificates online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.com, or through the Box Office at 207-646-5511. 

The 80^th Anniversary Season kicks off with ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, on stage from May 23 through June 16.  This inspirational show is told through the letters of Louise Segar, portrayed by Emmy Award winning actress, Sally Struthers, who is celebrating her 10^th Anniversary of performing at the Ogunquit Playhouse! Featuring the unforgettable hits of Country Music mega star Patsy Cline, this funny and touching tribute celebrates the career and life of the singer of who died tragically in a plane crash in 1963. "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams" and "Walking After Midnight" are just a few of the 27 featured songs.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC hits the stage June 20 – July 14. This all-new production is based on the lavish 2008 Tony Award winning Lincoln Center production. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Beloved songs include "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," "This Nearly Was Mine" and "There is Nothin' Like a Dame." 

Up next is DAMN YANKEES (the new Boston Red Sox version!) on stage from July 25 – August 18 . A bewitching seductress, America's favorite pastime and Satan himself mix it up in this popular Adler and Ross musical comedy. When a devilish dealmaker offers diehard Red Sox fan Joe Boyd the chance to beat the Damn Yankees in return for Joe's soul, Joe takes it. But as the Red Sox stats soar, Joe realizes he's losing his beloved wife and looks for a loophole. Enter sizzling-hot temptress Lola, a charter member of the Homewreckers Hall of Fame. "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets," goes the well-known song. 

The season continues with the Broadway smash hit from multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter Dolly Parton, 9 To 5: THE MUSICAL, August 22 through September 15. This heartfelt musical is based on the popular movie about three female office workers who conspire to get even with their egotistical and hypocritical boss. When their plan spins wildly out of control the situation becomes hilarious and the laughter is non-stop. The show features the blockbuster title song plus a jubilant score that mixes Broadway and pop with Dolly's irresistible style. 

BUDDY, THE Buddy Holly STORY closes the 80^th Anniversary season from September 20 – October 21. Follow the incredible journey of Buddy's meteoric rise to fame to the top of the record charts during the golden days of rock 'n' roll, to his untimely death in 1959 in this popular tribute.  Favorites as "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy," "Maybe Baby," "That'll Be the Day," "Raining In My Heart," Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" and the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" will be featured. 

The Ogunquit Playhouse is America's Foremost Summer Theatre, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from May 23 to October 21, 2012. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and become our fan on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.