Sutton Foster And Hugh Jackman Reunited At Ogunquit Playhouse

Some places have a way of changing you, and for me, the theater has always been one of them.

I started acting when I was 16 years old, and from the moment I stepped onto a stage, it felt like I'd found a second home. There's something almost magical about live theater- the hush that falls over an audience as the lights dim, the excitement waiting behind the curtain, and the way a story can make an entire room laugh, cry, or hold its breath together.

Even now, those moments still give me chills.

Speaking of chills, Ogunquit Playhouse is infamous for giving them. This theatre is not just where performances happen, it's where dreams begin, lifelong memories are made, and generations of artists and audiences come together to celebrate the power of storytelling.

This week, one of New England's most treasured theaters celebrated a milestone that speaks to just how much that tradition still matters.

Ogunquit Playhouse announced it raised more than $3 million during its sold-out Gala Benefit in support of its Next Century Campaign.

According to BroadwayWorld, the evening began with an outdoor cocktail reception before guests enjoyed an exclusive concert by two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster. The biggest surprise of the night came when Foster welcomed fellow Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman to the stage for an unexpected duet! This was their first live concert performance together since starring in The Music Man on Broadway. BroadwayWorld reported the moment brought the audience to its feet.

The incredible fundraising total is a true testament to the lasting impact of Ogunquit Playhouse, which has been entertaining audiences for nearly a century. On its website, the theater describes itself as "America's Foremost Summer Theatre," welcoming more than 100,000 guests each season to experience Broadway-caliber productions in the heart of coastal Maine.

As a theater kid, I’ve known about the rich history the theater shares and it’s everlasting impact it delivers to its audiences. I often think of all the legends that have walked in and out of it. It’s beautiful to witness the theater continue to thrive in a society being taken over by technology. The standing ovations eventually fade, but the stories, friendships, and memories made inside a theater have a way of staying with you forever.