Rebekah
The
Dear Members,
Spring is here and that can only mean one thing— the Goodspeed season has begun!
You are a wonderful audience to program for, and I am excited to share this season with you. Jesus Christ Superstar defined musical theatre for a generation of theatre lovers; Crazy For You is exactly the kind of tap-happy musical comedy we all want to enjoy over a Goodspeed summer; The Snow Goose is an innovative new musical which will honor Goodspeed’s decades-long commitment to new work on the Goodspeed stage; and Annie—our little red-headed orphan is coming home for her 50th anniversary!
I believe it is a terrific season and ticket sales show that you all agree with me. If you haven’t already secured your seats, please contact the Box Office right away…I don’t want you to miss out on a moment of the great entertainment we have been building for you.
The winter months at Goodspeed are always a time of new work exploration and development through our Festival of New Musicals and Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove. It is also the moment when we have a tiny bit of space to dream and that has resulted in some big ideas for the future—onstage and off. We will be announcing some of those dreams this year…so stay tuned.
Your philanthropic support makes it all possible. Thank you for your commitment to Goodspeed and to sustaining this exceptional institution and our work for generations to come.
Donna
Lynn Hilton (she/her), Artistic Director dhilton@goodspeed.org
At Goodspeed Musicals, our impact reaches far beyond the footlights. Every note sung and every story shared on our stages—and in our classrooms and rehearsal studios—is possible because of you. You are part of every laugh, every ovation, and every spark of inspiration that begins here and spreads across our town, our state, and theatres throughout the country.
Goodspeed is that rare place where generations truly come together. Grandparents, parents, and children sit side by side, sharing the same songs and stories that bind us across time. In a world that often feels hurried and divided, the simple act of coming together for live theatre nourishes more than just the spirit—it supports our collective well-being. Study after study shows what we already know in our hearts: the arts help people live healthier, more connected lives. The joy, laughter, and shared emotion of a Goodspeed performance strengthen not only our community’s cultural health, but its human one.
In this issue of Curtain! you will find our 2025 Impact Report, sharing how Goodspeed contributes to the economic vitality of our region, supports Connecticut tourism, and provides students with the essential arts education that helps them thrive as creative, confident individuals. Each of these areas is meaningful on its own—but together, they paint a portrait of how deeply Goodspeed touches lives. Your part in this impact is inspiring, and I invite you to continue supporting Goodspeed Musicals so that, together, we can go on creating personal memories as well as choreograph moments of connection for generations to come.
With heartfelt thanks,
Vanessa Logan (she/her), Managing Director vlogan@goodspeed.org
Tuesday, May 26
7:30pm at The Terris Theatre
Member Insider Event: Crazy For You
Saturday, May 30
Gala & Auction honoring Andrew Lloyd Webber
Saturday, June 19
Crazy For You begins
Tuesday, Aug 4
Member Insider Event: The Snow Goose
Friday, Aug 28
The Snow Goose begins
Tuesday, Sept 29
Member Insider Event: Annie
Tuesday, Oct 6
2027 Season Announcement Event
Friday, Oct 30
Annie begins
Dates are subject to change. Please check your specific member benefits for access to the events listed above.
Questions?
Contact Rebekah Moses: rmoses@goodspeed.org 860.615.0365
BY KATIE DESJARDINS | ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
For more than 43 years, Goodspeed has been traveling with its patrons to destinations near and far. This fall, we invite you to join us abroad for an exciting trip to London and Paris to see some of Europe's most famous sites and best theatrical experiences.
This 11-day tour includes tickets to the West End's most soughtafter show, Paddington The Musical, plus three other outstanding shows—Sinatra: The Musical, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular. You'll also enjoy a unique afternoon tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a ballet performance and behind-the-scenes tour at the opulent Paris Opera House, a dinner cruise on the Seine, and a fabulous night at the legendary Moulin Rouge!
The trip includes ample downtime for sightseeing and a Londonbased concierge who can give you personalized planning support before your arrival and throughout the trip.
Traveling with Goodspeed doesn’t just provide you with a first-class experience—it gives you time with our Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton, Managing Director Vanessa Logan, and other Goodspeed staff. Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our fundraising efforts! We hope you can join us October 11 - 21 for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Questions? Please contact Development Director Frank Stilwagner at fstilwager@goodspeed.org or visit our website.
BY SARAH KAYSER | MARKETING/GRAPHICS ASSISTANT
When it comes to creating Goodspeed’s world-class theatre, every performance starts the same way: a show title is picked, hopeful actors gather for auditions, and a team of designers is assembled and tasked with turning our small-but-mighty stage into a brand-new world.
This design work is meticulous: blueprints and renderings are provided en masse to showcase the full scope of a designer’s vision and are then presented and reviewed until it works just right on our stage. But a single person can’t build Rome in a day (or a Goodspeed set in time for opening night)… that’s where the Production Department comes in.
Presented with a vision, our Production team turns a designer’s dream into reality. Goodspeed boasts our own scene and paint shop, meaning the majority of our set pieces are crafted by hand, in house. Pulling the strings behind this operation is Dominick Pinto, our Production Manager. His job is to ensure that the team has everything they need to bring the designer’s drafts to life. Coordinating scenery, lighting, props, sound, costumes, and schedules is no small task. Especially when it all needs to work on stage for the actors, keep them safe, and not fall apart for nine weeks straight!
Dominick starts his day reviewing drawings and budgets, meeting with designers and department heads about costumes, scenery, or lighting, and then heads down to the shops to see how everything is progressing. Once the set pieces are completed, the next big task is getting them down the road and into the Opera House. They make sure to measure set pieces down to the millimeter to ensure they’ll fit through the entrances to our stage, and then it’s load-in time. The whole set is moved onto the stage in just four days; when a show closes around 4:30pm on a Sunday afternoon, the crew comes in and immediately disassembles everything,
loads it out, reloads the truck with the new set pieces, and gets the new set in by Thursday night. Then the cast for the next show can rehearse on stage, and the process will begin again a few months later.
You’ve probably noticed that our stage is multiple floors above ground, and in such an old building, there isn’t much in terms of freight elevators or heavy-duty machinery to get these heavy sets up on stage. In fact, a lot of the set pieces are designed to fit in the same elevator that patrons (you!) use. Anything too big for the elevator goes up the “chute," which is a different small elevator shaft on the side of the building fitted with a cable hoist at the top. Large set pieces are hooked to the hoist and then carefully lifted, which is its own sort of choreography. While this happens, electricians are at work installing lights, the audio crew is installing speakers, and Dominick is there to manage it all. “It’s a lot of controlled chaos for a couple days,” he says, “until suddenly there’s a full production on stage.”
During the build for Jesus Christ Superstar Dominick remarked, “It’s going to push the Opera House space in some really interesting ways. It’s the kind of show where the set isn’t just background; it becomes part of the momentum and atmosphere of the show.” Although he’s worked on plenty of productions here at Goodspeed, he says his favorites are always the ones that “look a little impossible when the drawings first come in.” Working together as a team with the rest of the production department to get the job done is a satisfying, collaborative artform, just like theatre. And the next time you are here for a show, you will finally have the answer to the age-old question: “How did they get that thing in here?”
BY MICHAEL FLING | CRAZY FOR YOU DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
It almost goes without saying that tap dance is the main love language of Goodspeed Musicals. So, it should come as no surprise that Crazy For You has been at the very top of the ‘dream show’ list for us. A completely reimagined version of the Gershwin chestnut Girl Crazy (which became a Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney movie in 1943), it’s an old-fashioned tribute to the song-and-dance musicals of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, and Eleanor Powell. It took New York by storm when it opened at the Shubert Theatre in 1992, largely because of the show-stopping production numbers staged by a then relatively unknown Susan Stroman, who would go on to create the original choreography for The Producers; Bullets Over Broadway; Young Frankenstein; Big Fish; The Scottsboro Boys; and New York, New York, as well as stage hit revivals of Oklahoma! and The Music Man.
At its heart, Crazy For You is about how musicals have the power to bring people together, spread joy in a community, and give that community life again. As the show's director, I am so honored to be joined by an incredible team of artists who bring their talents
to the table to create this production alongside me.
As you can imagine, having a dynamite choreographer is of paramount importance for this show. We are in the best hands with Kelli Barclay creating all-new choreography for the production. Goodspeed audiences will recognize Kelli’s name from her show-stopping choreography for our productions of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; Anything Goes; The Will Rogers Follies; My One and Only; Damn Yankees; and Hello, Dolly!. Surprisingly, Kelli has never done a production of Crazy For You, but getting to do this show is a dream for any choreographer. I’ve seen the little bit that she has started to put together in preproduction—your socks are going to be blown off. I cry just thinking about it.
As if the dancing wasn’t enough of a spectacle, the glitzy costumes and wonderful sets are the perfect escape from the world. Ann Beyersdorfer (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) has brilliantly designed our scenery, taking us from our cold black-and-white New York to the earth tones of rural Nevada—all inspired by the Broadway Melody films and our favorite movie musicals. The
clothes designed by Joseph Shrope (A Chorus Line) are a pageant unlike anything we’ve had on our stage in a while. Each scene brings striking new looks that will leave your jaw on the floor.
We are so fortunate to have the expert baton of Adam Souza to shepherd the gorgeous Gershwin melodies to our ears. Adam’s musical ear is not only excellent but also incredibly versatile. To go from the rock sensibility of Jesus Christ Superstar to the anchor of the American songbook in Crazy For You is no small task—and he does it with such specificity and passion.
The other artisans and creatives that make up the resident Goodspeed production team add immeasurable expertise and quality to everything that you will see on stage. I could list them all here, but we dedicate an entire page of the program to them because of how many people it takes. Please read it! It literally doesn’t happen without each of them.
Needless to say, we are all eager to share this love letter to musical theatre with you this summer. Who could ask for anything more?!
s our devoted supporters of new works know, we’re making Goodspeed history by premiering The Snow Goose at The Goodspeed this year. After several stages of development, including a presentation at our 2024 Festival of New Musicals, it’s our first GoodWorks commision and the first show from the Festival to make its world premiere on our main stage. As we get closer to this full-scale production, we’ve been working closely with designers of all aspects who are bringing the world of The Snow Goose to life.
One of those designers is the Emmynominated Nicholas Mahon, who's creating the titular snow goose puppet for our production. "Princess," as she's affectionately referred to by the show's protagonists, is brought to life by multiple performers.
The final puppets are still being
designed, but we’ve been in the process of making Princess for almost a year already. Last June, we got together with Nicholas in New York to workshop the puppetry of the show.
Directly following this workshop in July, we hosted an industry reading at New 42 Studios in New York, which featured some minimal staging with the puppet.
While these workshops in 2025 featured just one puppet, our full production will feature five distinct puppets that capture different needs throughout the show. These five puppets will cover three different movements, an older version of Princess, and a whole flock of geese.
We asked Nicholas Mahon, the puppet designer, to chat about his experience working with the director of The Snow Goose, Marshall Pailet, and
his experience designing Princess. Here’s what he said: “One of the things I love about working with Marshall is that he approaches the creative process by asking, 'What does this want to be?' rather than 'What should this be?' It begins with the belief that the characters and the story already carry a soul of their own, and our work is to listen for it. That spirit guided our initial puppetry workshop. I built a simple prototype— less a finished design than a gathering of ingredients—so we could play, experiment, and discover what felt alive. Different materials and gestures emerged for different moments, each chosen for the emotion it could express. The performers themselves became an essential part of the design, their presence woven into the life of the puppet. In creating the next version of Princess, we continue in that same spirit: bringing together objects, materials, movement, and human presence until something unexpected begins to breathe—until a collection of parts becomes a living story.”
We’re delighted to be partnering with Nicholas to bring this story—and its titular goose—to life. The Snow Goose will be at The Goodspeed from August 28 through October 18, so be sure to grab your tickets before Princess flies away!
Dr. Anne Rothstein and Jane Hellman have been devoted supporters of The Snow Goose since Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton first announced that Goodspeed Musicals had commissioned the piece. As longtime patrons, their support began with a shared enthusiasm for new work and a deep appreciation for the creative process that brings original stories to life on stage.
What started as early excitement quickly grew into a meaningful investment in the production’s journey. Rothstein and Hellman have followed The Snow Goose from its earliest stages,
championing its development at the 2024 Festival of New Musicals, and recognizing the power of its storytelling.
Now, they are the proud Lead Marquee and Puppet Sponsors for the world premiere of The Snow Goose, helping to bring its imaginative vision fully to life. Reflecting on the artistry behind the production, Anne and Jane shared: “The [Princess] prototype gives you the idea. We are most excited to see how the puppet and the orchestrations from Scott and Claire help The Snow Goose to soar across Goodspeed’s Mainstage.”
BY MATTIE E. HINCKLEY | DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
The Technicolor Coat. A Phantom’s Mask. Cats. Iconic images of the modern musical theatre landscape, all crafted and orchestrated from the mind of one of the greatest musical theatre composers of our time; Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lord Lloyd Webber’s collection of work has driven some of the most recording breaking productions in Broadway history.
Born in London in 1948 into a family steeped in music, he began composing early. But it was his electrifying partnership with Tim Rice that launched him onto the world stage. Together, they created Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the revolutionary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, which shattered expectations and drew new, younger audiences to theatre. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Lloyd Webber firmly established himself as a composer with sweeping, grand musicals such as Evita, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera.
Lloyd Webber’s body of work demonstrates his uncanny ability to blend classical composition with contemporary styles. Yet there is one hidden gem that Goodspeed Musicals had the honor to produce in collaboration with Lloyd Webber: By Jeeves
Originally titled Jeeves, this collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and British playwright Alan Ayckbourn premiered at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London on April 22, 1975. The first production was met with harsh, negative criticism and was not a commercial success. Yet some twenty years later, the duo came back together to rework the show and prepare it for their North American debut, right here at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre. The old script was scrapped in favor of a rewritten show with the title By Jeeves
By Jeeves holds a distinct place in the career of Andrew Lloyd Webber, revealing a lighter, more whimsical side of the composer best known for his sweeping theatrical spectacles. Inspired by a series of farcical short stories and novels by English writer P. G. Wodehouse, the musical captures the
charm and comic elegance of Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves, with a distinctly British flair.
Its journey to American audiences is closely tied to Goodspeed Musicals— something we’re still proud to look back on. In 1996, The Terris Theatre hosted the American premiere of the newly-revised By Jeeves, giving the show its first real introduction to US audiences. It was exactly the kind of project that thrives here: smart, character-driven, and still evolving. In our space, with artists and audiences in close conversation, the production was able to sharpen its storytelling and settle into the version that would carry it to the Great White Way.
After Goodspeed and subsequent regional productions, the musical made its way to Broadway in 2001, bringing its wit, sophistication, and lively score to a wider audience. Sue Frost, Goodspeed Trustee and former Line Producer, recounted her experience of working with Lord Lloyd Webber and Sir Alan Ayckbourn:
“I remember we were all a little terrified before rehearsals started. I mean, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber (as he wasn’t Lord Lloyd Webber yet) and Alan Ayckbourn coming to Goodspeed? What a crazy notion! But they were both so kind and gracious, and so very happy to be working on a show that they loved. We all soon relaxed and just did what we do best and built a musical. It was also, to this day, one of the funniest shows and funniest groups of people I have ever worked with—just joy in the room!”
As this legacy comes full circle, Goodspeed Musicals continues to celebrate its enduring connection to Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. Kicking off the 2026 season is the highly-acclaimed Jesus Christ Superstar, a fitting tribute to one of his most groundbreaking works. The celebration continues beyond the stage, as Lloyd Webber will be honored at Goodspeed’s 2026 Gala & Auction, making a special in-person appearance at The New Haven Lawn Club on May 30, 2026.
2025 was not only an artistically thrilling season but a record setting season in ticket sales, selling to 93% capacity at The Goodspeed and 91% capacity when adding in The Terris Theatre. The completion of the new porch, accessibility ramp, plaza, and parking area welcomed audiences old and new to Goodspeed Musicals. Annual Fund and Membership donations were up over 2024, and we remain grateful to donors. 22% of our members, who provide sustaining support, elected to increase their giving in 2025. A special thank you to the 1,509 households that joined us as new members in 2025.
Inflationary increases continue to impact our production and facilities budgets, but we have been able to respond to those challenges in creative ways and continue to provide the exceptional work you expect on our stages. As you will see in the chart below, the bulk of our spending funds what you see onstage, producing high-quality musicals and fostering new works.
Goodspeed Musicals continues to run a structural deficit, which is balanced by a continued large draw from our Endowment. Reducing the structural deficit is a key cornerstone of our strategic planning focusing financial sustainability, and we have focused attention on those areas that most impact our bottom line. The 2026 budget reflects a $1 million reduction in the deficit.
Significantly, beyond our operating budget, we continue to raise capital funding for planned upgrades to The Goodspeed elevator in 2027 and address ongoing general maintenance for the 38 facilities owned by Goodspeed that enable us to house the incredible artists you see on our stages, as well as create and build all the production elements.
110,377 people attended a show at Goodspeed Musicals
THE GOODSPEED 100,000 Total Tickets
THE TERRIS THEATRE 10,377 Total Tickets
GOODSPEED EMPLOYED
155 Artisans, Technicians & Administrators
26% First-time attendees
32,589 Season Tickets
67,411 Single Tickets
1,743 Season Tickets
8,594 Single Tickets
373 people
121 Actors & Stage Managers
43 Musicians & Music Staff
54 Creative Team Members
302 musicals 21 shows to Broadway OVER THE PAST 62 YEARS GOODSPEED HAS: Produced Sent
2,666 hours of applause Enjoyed
91 world premieres Launched
16,089 performances Played
5,086 actors Employed
5.6M patrons Delighted
40,223 hours Performed for
BY DAN McMAHON | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
What a year! The 2025 season truly was a season of hits. From start to finish—and at both The Goodspeed and The Terris—almost every performance was sold out. We broke box office records and sold more tickets than ever before—and for good reason.
At The Goodspeed, we were moved by a powerful American story, laughed as we danced to a string of Elvis’ greatest hits, peeked behind the curtain and into the lives of dancers auditioning for a role, and ended with the most heartwarming of all holiday musicals. At The Terris, we all enjoyed the humorous and sentimental glimpse of life in our third act, and we roared with laughter at the antics of giant birds and an incompetent soldier.
The Goodspeed
April 25 - June 15, 2025
2025 opened at The Goodspeed with Ragtime, a story that may be even more powerful now than when it was written many years ago. We watched as the seemingly unconnected lives of Mother, Coalhouse and Tateh intersected as they unfolded, illustrating the clash between wealth and poverty, freeDominick and prejudice, hope and despair. Truly a show—and a story—that we won’t soon forget.
The Goodspeed
June 27 - Aug 25, 2025
It was a homecoming of sorts when All Shook Up opened on the mainstage to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Who knew that a show that made its world premiere at The Terris so long ago would make it to Broadway and tour extensively across the country? Well…those of us who saw it the first time knew it was something special and were so excited to share it again with Goodspeed audiences! It was a summer filled with laughter and plenty of plenty of Elvis songs to make us all want to dance. We were all sad when Elvis left the building.
The Goodspeed
Sept 5 - Nov 2, 2025
Fifty years ago, a simple show about auditioning for a Broadway chorus became an international sensation and earned the rare distinction of becoming a legendary musical. It was only fitting that Goodspeed Musicals, which is known around the world as the “Home of the American musical,” mounted an anniversary production that was highly praised by critics and audiences alike. Together, we shared the hope and the heartbreak of these dancers who put it all on the line to get into a show.
The Goodspeed
Sept 5 - Nov 2, 2025
The Goodspeed was packed from early November until the end of December as audiences flocked to see a holiday treasure. One of the most popular movies of all time has become a huge success as a live musical. Families and couples and groups of friends came to share the joy of a heartwarming story filled with nostalgia and hope. We all know the words to the title song and many of us sang along at the end. What a way to celebrate the holiday season!
The Terris Theatre
May 24 - June 15, 2025
At The Terris Theatre, we began the season with a poignant look at life, love and laughter in your third act. Richard Maltby and David Shire struck a chord with the audience as they shared their wisDominick about life through songs about past dates, losing your car keys, leaving your home and loving jazz—all while staying young in spirit. The show was such a hit that it moved to New York and just completed a run Off-Broadway!
The Terris Theatre
Sept 5 - Nov 2, 2025
The walls were shaking from laughter when The Great Emu War made its world premiere at The Terris last fall. Based on a story that is so outlandish it has to be true, the stage was filled with giant emus being chased (or actually doing the chasing) by the Australian army. It was also a love story, had some political commentary and even taught us some new words. The Great Emu War is a perfect example of a show that was showcased at our Festival of New Musicals, grew into a world premiere at The Terris and now has a bright future well beyond Goodspeed.
Hopefully, you have your tickets for the 2026 season. It’s going to be even more popular!
2025 SPONSORS
SEASON SPONSORS
IN-KIND SEASON SPONSORS
TERRIS THEATRE SPONSOR
The Norma Terris/ Albert D. Firestone Foundation
EDUCATION SPONSOR
BY MICHAEL FLING | ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Our devotion to developing new musicals continued to be a top priority in 2025.
In January, the Festival of New Musicals included presentations of Romeo & Juliet: Fire on the Bayou, Oy Band, and The Carol of the Bells. Capped with selections from Oliver Houser’s Wunderkind and a powerful performance from Cheeyang Ng’s Legendary, our first-ever Festival at Chester was a tremendous success. Though we had less seating than a traditional Festival, being at The Terris Theatre heightened the wonderful community aspect of the Festival.
Not too long afterward, we hosted the 13th Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed, offering residencies on our campus to musical theatre writers in a one-of-a-kind program. 33 writers called Goodspeed their home for two weeks as they created 17 new musicals in all stages of the writing process. We’re incredibly proud of the groundbreaking art we’re able to champion through the Grove and look forward to the day when these shows are finally in front of audiences.
While our season at the Opera House didn’t include a new musical for the first time in seven years, we were proud to produce two world premieres at The Terris Theatre. About Time, by the venerable duo of Richard
Maltby, Jr. and David Shire, illustrated the joys and challenges of growing older. It was a massive hit with audiences and has transferred Off-Broadway, with an official opening of March 15, 2026.
Last, but certainly not least was The Great Emu War, the hilarious EMUsical comedy that was a smash hit in our 2023 Festival of New Musicals and made quite the splash with audiences last fall. Not only did the show have the Chester community in stitches, it was also quite the social media sensation—with video clips amassing almost 200,000 views on Instagram and 215,000 on TikTok. For context, we would have to play 1,766 performances (or almost 221 weeks) at The Terris Theatre for that many people to see the show in person!
Headed into 2026, we have another exciting year of brand-new work to share with audiences—most notably The Snow Goose, based on the novel by Paul Gallico. Not only has The Snow Goose already had rapturous reaction from the Festival audience in 2024, but in 2025 we added the New York theatre industry to the fan base with a private reading that built excitement for the show outside of East Haddam. We can’t wait for you to see the world premiere at the Opera House this fall and for the Goose to fly to stages all over the world, following in the great tradition of musicals that have come to life here at Goodspeed.
1,813 Students participated in
from 39 Underserved schools 7Counties
BY NICK PALAZZO | EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“I thought A Chorus Line was absolutely amazing. I enjoyed every second of it, and as the first musical I ever watched I really enjoyed it…Overall, an amazing experience.”
- Ignacio, East Hartford High School (East Hartford, CT)
As we look to the future of Goodspeed's 2026 season, we also reflect on the 1,813 students who were members of our audience through the Arts Education Collaboration program in 2025. Through The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre, this program introduces and educates the youth of Connecticut to the joy of live performance by cultivating a relationship with the community and encouraging emerging musical theatre artists. It is our hope to preserve the American Musical and Goodspeed for future generations. We believe it is important to engage the young—especially those from underserved communities in the state of Connecticut—in the creative process of musical theatre, making the art form accessible to new generations of theatergoers.
Each season, our Arts Education Collaboration brings elementary, middle, and high school students from Windham, Middlesex, Hartford, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Fairfield Counties to our productions at The Goodspeed or The Terris Theatre, giving them a special behind-the-scenes look into the making of a production through theatrical workshops with cast members and Goodspeed teaching artists. Goodspeed provides
workshops, lunch, and tickets for a matinee performance. This past year, the AEC program was even able to add two student-only matinees for Ragtime and A Chorus Line that were not open to the public. The energy in the room was electric, and both the audience and Goodspeed staff experienced the magic of musical theatre.
We also provide in-school workshops for students before and after they attend the show. For many young people, this is their first time experiencing a live performance. The entire program is underwritten by Goodspeed and its generous funders, provided at no cost to the schools, the students, or their families. It is Goodspeed's mission to share the joy of Musical Theatre while creating an inclusive artistic environment. We look to our current patrons and staff to help the audiences of tomorrow feel welcome today.
Smith Farm Gardens, East Haddam, CT
Honoring Bill Berloni for his Outstanding Contributions to Musical Theatre
We are thrilled to share that thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and trustees, we raised $385,000 at Goodspeed’s annual Gala & Auction!
From his first days as an intern at Goodspeed to receiving a Tony Award for lifetime achievement, Bill and his four-legged friends have changed the arts landscape for humans and animals alike. In his honor, we installed a permanent bronze statue of the original Sandy (the dog) in Annie. Bill rescued and trained Sandy for the world premiere of Annie at Goodspeed in 1976. Sandy also performed the entire Broadway run—never missing a performance.
Goodspeed Gala & Auction supporters’ commitment to the arts in our community means we can continue to cultivate the next generation of theatre artists like Bill.
"Art changes lives. I can't imagine how many artists and audiences and animals' lives have been changed by the Goodspeed family. So, as we take part in celebrating, let's reconfirm to protect, support, and cherish being part of this Goodspeed family."
—Bill Berloni
Over the past two years, Goodspeed has made major progress toward a more accessible and welcoming Goodspeed Opera House. Through Phase 1 of our Capital Campaign, we have completed the first significant upgrades to the building since it reopened in 1963—improving safety, accessibility, and the overall patron experience while honoring our historic landmark.
Beginning in 2024 and finishing in 2025, Goodspeed rebuilt the full front entrance to ensure safe and inclusive access for all visitors. The project introduced a new ADA-accessible ramp, expanded porch with space for wheelchairs, and automatic-open entry doors. The front steps and porch were reconstructed to meet historical landmark standards, and the surrounding plaza and south garden were refinished with updated landscaping. Energy-efficient lighting now brightens the porch, ramp, and walkway areas to make arrival safer and more pleasant.
The renovation of the main parking lot created a safer and more sustainable arrival experience. The lot was completely repaved using permeable surfaces, redesigned with landscaped islands, and outfitted with energy-efficient lighting. The project added electric vehicle charging stations, expanded handicap-accessible parking, enhanced flood-plain drainage, and improved footbridge landings. Together, these updates offer a much more accessible and environmentally responsible approach to the Opera House.
Through these renovations and the work still ahead, Goodspeed is investing in a more inclusive, comfortable, and welcoming experience for every member of our community while preserving the historic charm that makes the Opera House so beloved for 150 years.
is to share the joy of musical theatre; to delight, inspire, and challenge audiences; to nurture creators; and to build and support a broad, diverse, and inclusive community.
In 2025, Goodspeed continued to implement its strategic plan. With the hiring of a new Managing Director and in leadership with our Artistic Director, Goodspeed and our Board of Trustees continued to fulfill this mission by focusing on these strategic goals:
Sustain Goodspeed’s pre-eminence as a statewide and national leader in musical theatre by broadening and modernizing the concept of the classic musical as well as developing new work that advances and enriches the art form.
Grow Goodspeed’s organizational culture around accountability, community, and equity.
• Secure Goodspeed’s future and develop a financially sustainable operating model through revenue growth and expense assessment.
Goodspeed mounts both new and newly-revived musicals each year on our main stage at The Goodspeed and at The Terris Theatre in Chester—a total of 325 performances during the April to December season, attracting more than 102,000 patrons to the Connecticut River Valley. We stand at the forefront of producing and preserving the American musical, simultaneously reinventing the classics and inventing new ones. We attract well-known icons of the theatre world and foster emerging talent among composers, lyricists, and librettists. Each year, actors, directors, choreographers, and technicians aspire to come to Goodspeed to practice their craft. Among millions who know and love this art form—and those who appreciate its history and enduring appeal—Goodspeed is widely recognized as “The Home of the American Musical.”
Throughout the year, and intensively during the winter months, Goodspeed addresses issues unique to the field by offering innovative and highly sought-after programs through our Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre. The Festival of New Musicals features students from The Hartt School and Western Connecticut State University performing staged readings of three brand new musicals, industry-related seminars, a symposium and cabaret performances. Each winter, Goodspeed also hosts The Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove inviting musical theatre writing teams to retreat from daily life for a four-week residency to concentrate solely on writing new musicals.
The Goodspeed campus will continue to serve as a thriving musical theatre company where artists and the creative process inform the work on our stages and educational programs. We aspire to serve as a safe haven where a singular commitment to discovery and innovation will enrich the field with the next generation of musical theatre artists.
Hila Rosen
President
Jef Wolter
Chairman
Leonard H. Suzio
First Vice President
Anthony Cacace
Vice President
Meg Sakellarides
Treasurer
Jennifer Brown
Secretary
Gov. Ned Lamont
Ex Officio Honorary Chairman
Francis G. Adams, Jr.
Michael Arseneault
Bruce Bentley
Kris Burbank
Steven Chao
Carolyn Rossi Copeland
Rebecca Darcy
Senator Christopher Dodd
Jim Duncan
Anne Evans
Sue Frost
Jean Selden Greene
Steven Hernandez
Jeffrey Hoffman
John Holt
Ann Houston
Sue Link
Gavin Lodge
Mark Masselli
Kristen Roberts
Dr. Anne Rothstein
Blair Russell
Karen Sherry
Joseph Smith
John Voege
Kay Knight Clarke
Chandler Howard
Lynde Karin
Mary Ellen Klinck
Julie Godbout LeBlanc
Lawrence McHugh
Michael P. Price
Dona D. Young
The Goodspeed, originally constructed in 1876 as the Goodspeed Opera House, is a historic landmark on the Connecticut River. The building was marked for demolition in 1958, but local preservationists became interested, and in 1959 the Goodspeed Opera House Foundation was organized to restore and reactivate the theatre. With the cooperation of the State of Connecticut and the support of donor-members of the Foundation, The Goodspeed was restored and rededicated on June 18, 1963, with the opening of the musical Oh, Lady! Lady!!
The Terris Theatre, inaugurated in 1984 by Goodspeed Musicals, is dedicated to developing new musicals and honors actress Norma Terris. Initially a knitting needle factory, the space was fully renovated as an intimate 200-seat theatre and opened its doors on July 10, 1984, with the new musical Harrigan ’n’ Hart. Since its opening, The Terris has presented over 97 new musicals, including Private Jones, A Sign of the Times, and Amazing Grace.
Goodspeed owns and maintains 34 houses which accommodate as many as 121 people at a time. These homes are managed by Goodspeed’s company management team and maintained by Goodspeed’s Facilities team. In addition, a fleet of cars and vans transports artists to and from the theatre and other locations while they are staying on the Goodspeed campus.
THE CHAUNCEY STILLMAN PRODUCTION FACILITY
Behind each Goodspeed production is a wealth of technical and engineering expertise. The Chauncey Stillman Production Facility houses one of the largest and bestequipped scene shops in the country. In this 33,000-squarefoot facility numerous craftspeople build, weld, and paint all the scenery and props used in each Goodspeed show.
The Max Showalter Room in our Factory Building holds not only the memorabilia from the decades-long career of this beloved actor of stage and screen, but is now home to Showalter’s pair of baby grand pianos. It was Max’s wish that these beloved instruments be shared by composers, musicians and performers in a space that will be used for programs and events to inspire and educate “young creators in the fields of theatre, film and music.”
Extending its mission beyond the stage, Goodspeed is home to one of the largest musical theatre libraries in the nation. The Scherer Library currently houses 2,264 libretti, 3,570 scores, 30,000 copies of sheet music and a 11,100+ vinyl record collection. Used by theatre historians and educators across the country—as well as actors, directors and choreographers in residence—the collection contains scripts, scores, sheet music, and a vast collection of Broadway and Off-Broadway cast recordings. In addition, the Library is an invaluable resource to Goodspeed’s own Music and Production Departments.
Costumes seen on Goodspeed’s stages are designed from scratch and expertly sewn in our Costume Shop, or they are selected from the Goodspeed costume collection of more than 600,000 costumes and accessories that occupy more than a mile of hanging rail in the Cynthia Barrington Costume Center. Most productions require as many as 250 costumes, not including hats, shoes, wigs, and other accessories.
The Natalie & Ashton Tenney Rehearsal Studio features three rooms for music, staging, and rehearsals. The Alice Rehearsal Studio, named after Alice Hammerstein Mathias, includes a dance space and an additional rehearsal studio.
