Ogunquit Playhouse Announces Complete Casting for Small Town, A John Mellencamp Musical

Ogunquit Playhouse has announced complete casting for the world premiere of Small Town, A John Mellencamp Musical, featuring 24 songs from the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s catalog and a new book by playwright Naomi Wallace. Directed by Lisa Peterson, the musical begins performances Thursday, October 1, and runs through November 1, 2026.

The production follows a small town in free-fall, where a multigenerational community finds itself at a crossroads. At its center are Jack and Diane, two star-crossed lovers determined not to let their circumstances extinguish their youthful fire. Mellencamp songs including “Hurts So Good,” “Lonely Ol’ Night,” “Small Town,” and “Jack & Diane” provide the musical backdrop for a story about love, longing, survival, and the choices that shape our lives.

Dillon Klena will star as Jack, with Morgan Higgins as Diane. The principal cast also includes Ron Bohmer as Jack’s father, Sean; Annie Golden as Lou; Matt Saldívar as Diane’s father, Sergio; Dale Soules as Jack’s Aunt Box; and Luna Lauren Vélez as Diane’s mother, Maria.

The ensemble features Angela Chatelain Avila, Mayelah Barrera, Zach Cossman, Mollie Diaz, Louis Jannuzzi III, Noah LaPook, Victoria Lourdes, Kaitlyn O’Leary, Sam O’Neill, Alex Paez, Kendall Rivera, Lionna Romans, Deandre Sevon, and Ariana Valdes.

The production has choreography by Richard J. Hinds, music supervision by Andy York, and music direction by Jason Hart. The creative team also includes scenic designer Klara Zieglerova, lighting designer Richard Latta, costume designer Haydee Zelideth, sound designer Kevin Heard, and wig, hair, and makeup designer Roxanne De Luna.

Lisa Stevens serves as intimacy coordinator and fight choreographer, Tavia Rivée Jefferson is cultural coordinator, Natalie Villamonte Zito is dramaturg, and Nikki Lint is production stage manager