Goodspeed Opera House
6 Main Street
East Haddam CT 06423
Phone: 860-873-8668
Description:
Located along the scenic Connecticut River, the Goodspeed Opera House was constructed in 1876 by shipping magnate William H. Goodspeed to house his business interests and provide a venue for theatre, of which he was an avid fan. The acoustically perfect, Victorian style opera house opened on October 24, 1877. The comedy CHARLES II and the farces BOX AND COX and TURN HIM OUT drew people from miles around, many by riverboat, to see the new shows and famous performers of the day. Today, the Goodspeed Opera House celebrates a 44-year history of producing acclaimed musical theatre. Its mission, unique in American non-profit theatre, is the preservation and advancement of the musical theatre. Under the artistic and managerial direction of Michael Price, Executive Director, and a distinguished Board of Trustees, Goodspeed pioneered the rethinking, restoring, and revitalizing of America’s musical theatre heritage. More than 183 musicals have been produced on the theatre’s mainstage and many have received national recognition. Seventeen Goodspeed musicals have moved on to Broadway: MAN OF LA MANCHA (1966, awarded five Tonys), SHENANDOAH (1974, awarded two Tonys), VERY GOOD EDDIE (1975), SOMETHING’S AFOOT (1976), GOING UP (1976), ANNIE (1976, awarded seven Tonys), WHOOPEE (1979), THE FIVE O’CLOCK GIRL (1981), LITTLE JOHNNY JONES (1982), HARRIGAN ‘N HEART (1985), TAKE ME ALONG (1985), OH, KAY! (1990), THE MOST HAPPY FELLA (1992, awarded one Tony), GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1995), SWINGING ON A STAR (1995), BY JEEVES (2001) and ALL SHOOK UP (2005).