If you’re a theater lover or just someone who loves stories that stir the heart, mark your calendars. This fall, Maine audiences have reason to set sail for Ogunquit. The Ogunquit Playhouse is mounting a powerful new production of Titanic: The Broadway Musical, running October 2 through November 2, 2025.
Let me walk you through what makes this production a must-see for Mainers (and anyone who visits our coast), and why Titanic has enduring resonance nearly a century after the ship’s tragic maiden voyage.
🎭 Why Titanic Belongs on the Ogunquit Stage
A Musical with Real Heart
Unlike the blockbuster film many are familiar with, Titanic: The Musical is a theatrical exploration of humanity under pressure. Written by Peter Stone (book) and Maury Yeston (music & lyrics), the show follows real passengers and crew across class divides, from steerage immigrants to wealthy first-class travelers, as they experience the final hours of the ship.
Its emotional sweep is complemented by musical variety: some tunes evoke the spirit of early 20th-century song, others soar with orchestral drama.
The 1997 Broadway premiere earned high praise, walking away with five Tony Awards (including Best Musical) for its ambitious storytelling and haunting score.
Ogunquit’s Theatrical Tradition Meets Intensity
Ogunquit Playhouse has long been a jewel in Maine’s performing arts crown, known for bringing Broadway-caliber shows to our shores. The Playhouse’s 2025 season already includes several standout productions, and Titanic promises to be the dramatic crescendo.
Bringing Titanic to Ogunquit is no small feat. The story demands visual weight: the scale of a great ship, the intimacy of cramped quarters, the tension of impending disaster. But the Playhouse’s experienced creative team is up to the task.
The director is Shaun Kerrison, returning (with affection) to Ogunquit to helm this epic. The choreographer is Abbey O’Brien, and Ken Clifton will lead as music director. Behind the scenes, you’ll also find Adam Koch (scenic design), Roxanne De Luna (wig, hair & makeup), José Santiago (lighting), Kevin Heard (sound), and Bryce Cutler (projections). Ogunquit’s production uses the original Tony-winning costume design by Stewart Laing.
🎙️ Who’s Boarding the Ship?
Ogunquit has assembled a celebrated ensemble of Broadway and screen names to bring the characters to life.
Some key highlights:
- Charles Shaughnessy (famously known from The Nanny) will play Captain E. J. Smith.
- Wesley Taylor (Only Murders in the Building) takes on J. Bruce Ismay.
- Ben Jacoby is Thomas Andrews, the ship’s designer.
- Shereen Pimentel and Rashidra Scott appear in major ensemble roles (among others).
The rest of the company is robust and varied, rounding out the numerous perspectives aboard the ship.
This is the kind of cast that can balance large ensemble pieces with emotional solos, exactly what Titanic demands.
📅 Show Details, Tickets & Special Events
- Dates: October 2 to November 2, 2025
- Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (with intermission)
- Content: Rated PG-13 (some dramatic material)
- Ticket Pricing: Starting at $40 (plus fees)
One nice touch: a Cast Talkback will follow the matinee show on Wednesday, October 15, giving audiences a chance to ask questions and peek behind the curtain.
Also of interest to educators and students is a student matinee planned for October 28, which includes a post-show talkback and an extended intermission, so students to fully absorb the experience.
🌊 Why Mainers (and Visitors) Shouldn’t Miss It
- Emotional Resonance with Local Context: Maine, with its maritime heritage and coastal communities, has a connection to sea stories. Titanic’s narrative of ambition, class, risk, and human courage will likely resonate deeply with audiences here.
- Top-Tier Talent in Maine: It’s rare to get this level of casting and production values outside big city stages. Ogunquit is bringing a Broadway-sized experience to our region.
- Community & Conversation: The cast talkback, student performances, and group packages make Titanic more than a show, it’s a chance for shared experience, reflection, and engagement with art.
- Season Highlight: Within a stellar Ogunquit season, Titanic promises to be one of the most ambitious productions, a dramatic climax to the theatre calendar.
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