
John Mellencamp’s classic “Jack & Diane” inspires a new jukebox musical titled *Small Town*, set to debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse on October 1 and run through November 1. The production pairs playwright Naomi Wallace’s book with three‑time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall’s direction and choreography. Featuring Mellencamp hits such as “Hurts So Good,” “Lonely Ol’ Night,” and the titular track, the show aims to capture 1980s small‑town America. Tickets become available March 17, marking the first Mellencand‑centered stage work since his 2012 collaboration with Stephen King and T‑Bone Burnett.

Don Gibson wrote and first released "Sweet Dreams" in 1956, scoring a Top‑10 hit, while Faron Young issued his own version a month later that peaked at No. 2. Gibson re‑recorded the song in 1960 with modest chart success, but the...