Featured performers of the day were brought to East Haddam by steamboat, many directly from theatres in New York.Īfter William Goodspeed's death, the theatre was eventually sold and used as a storage depot for the State Highway Department. Goodspeed's history goes back to its opening night on October 24, 1877, when a repertory group presented the comedy Charles II and the farces Box and Cox and Turn Him Out. Since that time The Goodspeed has lived two lives: the first as a bustling center of commerce housing a theatre, professional offices, steamboat passenger terminal ,and a general store and the second, after a period of neglect and deterioration, as a magnificent professional musical theatre fully restored in 1963 to its original splendor. Goodspeed, shipping and banking magnate and avid theatre lover. Thomas.įor tickets and more information, click here.The Goodspeed has endured as a majestic presence on the Connecticut River since it was built as the Goodspeed Opera House in 1876 by William H. Greenberg directs the production, which will feature choreography by Denis Jones, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costumes by Alejo Vietti, lighting by Jeff Croiter, sound by Jay Hilton, orchestrations by Dan DeLange, musical direction by Michael O'Flaherty, and assistant musical direction by William J. The swings are Sarah Fagan and Darrell T. The ensemble will include Alissa Alter, Abby Church, Darien Crago, Caley Crawford, Jeremiah Ginn, Juliane Godfrey, Laura Harrison, Bryan Thomas Hunt, Charles MacEachern, Karl Skyler Urban, Amy Van Norstrand, and John T. In addition to Sessions, the previously announced cast will feature Noah Racey, Danny Rutigliano, Patti Murin, Hayley Podschun, Susan Mosher, and Noah Marlow.

The score includes classic tunes like 'Easter Parade,' 'Happy Holiday,' and 'White Christmas.' The stage musical features a book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge. Inspired by the Fred Astaire-Bing Crosby film of the same title, Holiday Inn tells the story of a Connecticut farmhouse that is transformed into a holiday nightspot. The new musical runs from September 19-November 30, with opening night set for October 15 at the Goodspeed Opera House. Broadway's Tally Sessions ( Big Fish) is set to star as Jim Hardy in the upcoming Goodspeed Opera House production of Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn, replacing the previously announced Corey Mach.

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