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Tony Award-Nominee L Morgan Lee Cast as Nina Mae EAST HADDAM, Conn. (April 10, 2024) – Goodspeed Musicals proudly announces the cast for A Complicated Woman, a new musical about embracing your true identity that features a gender-diverse cast. A Complicated Woman will appear at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre from May 10 – June 2 in Chester, Conn. [Official Press Opening will be May 29, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.] Opened in 1984 for the development of new musicals, The Terris Theatre will also be celebrating 40 years and its return to a full season of three new musicals. John Kenley was a theatre impresario who brought Hollywood stars like Gene Kelly and Ann Miller to Ohio’s summer stock stages. But when summer ended, he wintered in Florida where John disappeared… and Jean came to life. A Complicated Woman is a new musical that features a Golden Age score and a gender-diverse cast. Join us for the intriguing story of a theatre legend who had to navigate the joy, pain and pitfalls of leading a double life. When asked why they wanted to be part of A Complicated Woman, Nora Brigid Monahan who will play John/Jean said, "It's been an amazing experience participating at various stages in the development of A Complicated Woman, and I'm humbled to get to bring the show to life at The Terris Theatre this spring with this wonderful creative team. Special credit is due to Donna Lynn Hilton and the entire team at Goodspeed for investing in new musicals – and for making sure that trans voices and stories are included in the future of the musical theatre canon." L Morgan Lee who will play Nina Mae said, "Ianne (book), Jonathan (composer) and Jeff (director) are cooking up quite the meal with this show. I'm thrilled to be part of its development! Nina Mae is a kind of woman many theatre ‘girls like us’ have been waiting for and her 40+ year friendship with Kenley is one for the ages. Mame and Vera better watch out because Kenley and Nina Mae are on the prowl!" A Complicated Woman features a book by Ianne Fields Stewart whose work spans across many fields including: theatre, film, dance, creative writing, arts administration, and social justice. Music and lyrics are by Jonathan Brielle (Broadway: Foxfire, Off-Broadway: Himself and Nora) with additional lyrics by Sam Salmond. John/Jean will be played by Nora Brigid Monahan, a playwright and performer best known for writing and starring in the award-winning solo comedy Diva. Nina Mae will be played by L Morgan Lee, who made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Tony Award (Broadway: A Strange Loop). Oscar will be played by Christian Brailsford (Off-Broadway: Oratorio for Living Things, Cleopatra, Francois & the Rebels). Myrtle will be played by Klea Blackhurst (The Goodspeed: Hello, Dolly!; Off-Broadway: Party Face, Bingo). Lee Shubert will be played by Danny Rutigliano (The Goodspeed: Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn; The Terris: The Fabulous Lipitones; Broadway: I Need That, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Beetlejuice). Carl will be played by Dashiell Gregory (Off-Broadway: Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical). Muhlaysia will be played by Zachary A. Myers (Broadway: A Strange Loop). Diamond will be played by Arewà Basit (Off-Broadway: A Map to Know Where). The ensemble will feature Bryan Munar and Siena Rafter (Off-Broadway: Runaways, Deep Blue Sea, The Division). A Complicated Woman will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award-nominee Jeff Calhoun (Broadway: Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, Jekyll & Hyde, Grease). Music direction will be by Debra Barsha (Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Jersey Boys). Scenic design will be by Tobin Ost (The Goodspeed: Bye Birdie; Broadway: Disaster!, Jekyll & Hyde, Newsies (Tony Award nominee)). Costume design will be by Phương Nguyễn (The Terris: Private Jones). Lighting Design will be by Jason Lyons (The Goodspeed: Hello, Dolly!, Something’s Afoot; The Terris: The Bikinis, The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown, Cutman; Broadway: Hand to God, On the Town). Sound design will be by Jay Hilton who has designed countless productions at both The Terris Theatre and The Goodspeed and serves as Goodspeed’s Audio Supervisor/Resident Sound Designer. Wig, hair & make-up design will be by Tommy Kurzman (The Goodspeed: The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Broadway: I Need That, Gutenberg: The Musical!, The Cottage). Orchestrations will be by Jonathan Brielle and Nathan Dame. Devin Day will be the Production Stage Manager. Casting for this production is by Paul Hardt / Hardt Casting. A Complicated Woman will run May 10th – June 2nd, 2024, at The Terris Theatre located at 33 North Main Street, Chester, Conn. [Official Press Opening: May 29, 2024.] Curtain times are Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (with select performances at 2:00 p.m.), Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30 p.m.). Single tickets are on sale now and start at $20. Season tickets are also available starting at $117 for all three shows at The Terris Theatre. Tickets are available through the Goodspeed Box Office (860.873.8668), open weekdays at 10:00 a.m. and weekends at 11:00 a.m., or online at goodspeed.org. For show highlights, exclusive photos, special events and more, visit us at goodspeed.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The Terris Theatre is supported by The Norma Terris/Albert D. Firestone Foundation.

Come share some love for Mother Nature during the Chester Earth Day 2024 celebration on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There’s lots to do from nature hikes and live music, to a global art project, guest speakers and Earth Day Expo booths. On the schedule: SPEAKERS 11 a.m. to noon -- Guitars and The Environment -- Leonard Wyeth – Wyeth Architects, 6 Maple Avenue 11:00 a.m. to noon Margaret Cozens - Long Island Sound Study Chester Museum at the Mill, 9 W. Main Street 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Rhea Drozdenko - Connecticut River Conservancy Chester Museum at the Mill, 9 W. Main Street 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Erica Cirino - Plastic Pollution & Sustainable Homes The Hive, 1 Maple Street 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. RSVP - Justin Fornal – Explorer & Author--Adventures in Ethnobotany, Grano Arso, 6 Main Street 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tyler Hurlburt - Renewable Energy Investing Energea, 52 Main Street 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Organic Wine Seminar - Ct River Wine and Spirts 191 Middlesex Ave. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Joe Atwater - CT Audubon Society Chester Museum at the Mill, 9 W. Main Street 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Ian Gibson - Ask the Farmer Grano Arso, 6 Main Street 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Andrew Labonte - Moose in Connecticut Chester Museum at the Mill, 9 W. Main Street 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Kate Dzikiewicz - Greenwich Tree Conservatory Village Bistro, 59 Main Street 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bushy Hill Nature Center - Turtles & Invasive Species Amphitheater, 1 Spring Street 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Suzanne Thompson of Save the Sound - Saving our Land, Air, and Water Together, Village Bistro, 59 Main Street 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mike Silvestrini - Big Life Foundation Energea, 52 Main Street 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. From the Ground Up: Building a Home with the Earth and Health in Mind, Erica Cirino and Leonard Wyeth--Wyeth Architects, 6 Maple Ave 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Paul Colburn - Black Bears in Connecticut, The Hive, 1 Maple Street 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Climate Action Locally, Christine Palm, Connecticut House of Representatives, Chester Museum at the Mill, 9 W. Main Street 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Doe Boyle - Children’s Nature and Science Author Amphitheater, 1 Spring Street ACTIVITIES/ENTERTAINMENT 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. StoryWalk, grab-n-go craft and raffle for a nesting ball + autographed book “Superlative Birds” by Leslie Bulion. Chester Public Library, 21 Main Street 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Music on The Lawn - Brian Dolzani performs the songs of Neil Young Acoustic Music Nature Hikes - Steward Outdoor School - Jen Maliguti, North Quarter Park, 145 Main Street 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. 1:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. 4:30 p.m.– 5 p.m. 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Glass Blowing Demonstration, Atmosphere 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Music on The Lawn - Singer-songwriter Frank Critelli performs - AcousticMusic.Org, 4 Maple Street 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Guided Tours with Sara Holmes of Wyeth Architects, BuildGreenCT, Wyeth Architects, 6 Maple Street 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Music on Main - Auburn Mode Duo: Alan Venitosh and Rich Forrestal​, The Wayfinder Society, 14 Main Street 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wine Tasting - Chester Package Store, 1 N. Main St 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ongoing Tours - The Recycle House, 6 Spring Street 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Honeycone Craft Ice Cream - Special Offer for customers bring reusable cups! 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Global Art Exchange—Get creative and share your love for the planet with this art project that will travel around the world! EARTH DAY EXPO BOOTHS from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Main Street, Chester Village will be pedestrian-only during this time Global Art Exchange Connecticut Audubon Society Chester Sustainability Team (Check out the Green Raffle!) Sweet Willow Farm Honey Fat Stone Farm Seed and Soil Bramble Collective Leaf Haven Steward Outdoor School Recycling with Erica Cirino Chester Rotary / Conservation Commission (Free pollinator plants while supplies last) Garden Goddess Free Henna & Face Painting - Designs by Morgan Connecticut River Conservancy OTTO - Pizza by The Slice Doggie Barks Have questions that can’t be answered on the website? Call 860-662-1317.

EAST HADDAM, Conn. (April 5, 2024) – Goodspeed Musicals is seeking local Connecticut children for its 2024 Goodspeed production of South Pacific. Goodspeed is seeking Non-Equity child actors to understudy Ngana (age 11) and Jerome (age 8). These characters can be Black, Pacific Islander, or mixed. Children auditions for A Christmas Story The Musical will be held at a later date. Interested candidates should submit headshots and resumes to KMcLaughlin@goodspeed.org. Please include “South Pacific Casting” in the subject line. Candidates must be available for 4 weeks of rehearsal and 9 weeks of performances between May 14, 2024, (first rehearsal) and August 11, 2024, (close) in East Haddam. Interested candidates should bring a resume, photo and sheet music for a 32-bar cut of an up-tempo song and a ballad. Music must be legible and in the proper key (no lead sheets please). An accompanist will be provided. Goodspeed reaffirms its commitment to nondiscrimination and a flexible, imaginative casting policy. Performers of all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition.

March reading of The Amen Corner, Photo courtesy of Oddfellows Playhouse Join ARTFARM, Oddfellows Playhouse and HartBeat Ensemble for a reading of Baltimore by Kirsten Greenidge on Sunday, April 14 at 5 pm at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown. The third and final reading in the Black Presencing: Reading Plays in the Community series, Baltimore is a 2016 play exploring racism on a New England College campus.  When a racially-charged incident divides her first-year students, reluctant resident advisor Shelby finds herself in the middle of a conversation she does not want to have. As pressure to address the controversy mounts from residents, the new dean, and even her best friend, Shelby must decide if she will enter the fray or watch her community come apart at the seams. Sharp, funny, and searing, Baltimore is a timely drama about racism on college campuses. Kirsten Greenidge, a 2010 graduate of Wesleyan University, teaches Theater at Boston University and was recently named as the new director of the Theater Department at the BU College of Fine Arts. Her plays are known for their realistic language and focus on social issues such as the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. Black Presencing: Reading Plays in the Community, supported by a generous grant from CT Humanities, brings together Middletown theater companies ARTFARM and Oddfellows Playhouse with Hartford-based HartBeat Ensemble to bring the work of modern African-American playwrights to the local community. Pipeline, by Dominique Morisseau, was presented on February 4, and James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner  was performed at Cross Street AME Zion Church on March 3. Baltimore is directed by Janelle Robinson and will feature actors from throughout central Connecticut. There will be a short post-performance discussion moderated by HartBeat Ensemble Artistic Director Godfrey Simmons. Oddfellows Playhouse is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support the Black Presencing Series. For more information or to make reservations, contact Oddfellows Playhouse at  (860) 347-6143 or email info@oddfellows.org.

[Ivoryton, CT – April 1st, 2024] – Calling all music lovers: Get ready to kick off the 2024 season at Ivoryton Playhouse! Opening this weekend is the much-anticipated two-person theatrical concert Everly: The Music of the Everly Brothers! Step into the world of timeless melodies and unforgettable harmonies as Ivoryton Playhouse pays homage to the legendary Everly Brothers. Mark your calendars because this musical extravaganza is not to be missed! Performance Schedule: Opening Night: April 5th, 2024 Show Dates: April 5th through April 28th, 2024 Performance Times: Wednesdays—2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays—7:30, Fridays and Saturdays—8 p.m., Sundays—2 p.m. Ivoryton Playhouse is the perfect intimate setting where everyone is welcome to sit back and enjoy this musical journey. Everly features tons of unforgettable songs: "All I Have to Do is Dream," “Bye Bye, Love, "Wake Up Little Susie," and dozens more. From the Everly Brothers’ most recognizable hits to some of their deepest tracks, audiences will be thrilled by this celebration of iconic music that has stood the test of time. Eric Anthony* and Ben Hope*, the talented duo who created and star in the show, capture the essence of the Everly Brothers like never before. With their pitch-perfect vocals and undeniable chemistry, they'll have you singing along from start to finish. Hope also directs the show: “We’ve tried to create more than just a concert; something richer than a tribute show or playlist. We want to explore the lives and careers of these two icons of American music and the cultural landscape in which their music thrived. We hope the audience experience includes falling in love with this music again, but we also hope they walk away feeling a deeper connection to Don and Phil.” Already extended by popular demand, Everly: The Music of the Everly Brothers is the perfect way to start the season! Tickets continue to sell fast, so don't wait! Head to the Ivoryton Playhouse website or call the box office to secure your seats. Make new memories while celebrating the nostalgia of the timeless music of the Everly Brothers. Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318. (For information on group rates, please contact the box office.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

Performances April 11-12 at 7pm, April 13 at 2pm BRANFORD, CT March 25, 2024 – Legacy Theatre and Legacy’s Wheel Life Theatre Troupe are set to present a brand new, world-premiere production April 11-13. Let’s Get Together is an original piece of devised theatre that is written and performed by Wheel Life Theatre Troupe participants. It’s a show about the evolution of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the brave people in the ‘80s and ‘90s who brought it to pass. This entertaining and thought-provoking production boldly looks at how we can all “get together” to improve each other's quality of life -- today and always. “(This piece) is a unicorn,” said Wheel Life instructor Julie Fitzpatrick. “You’ve never seen a show like this before, and you might not see it again...The human condition is what is portrayed on stage, and this piece fills a gaping hole in that portrayal – this piece is essential.” The production presents different scenes and situations that disabled members of the Troupe have experienced in their lives, demonstrating the difficulties created by a world not inherently designed to be accessible, as well as the struggles resulting from a lack of education on behalf of much of the population. “When you know better, you can do better,” said Caroline Berkovich, a member of the Wheel Life Theatre Troupe and cast member of Let’s Get Together. “This show exemplifies what theatre can and should be – everyone should have a voice.” The production aims to shine a light on the everyday challenges faced by disabled individuals by providing a vehicle through which they can share their own, personal stories. Dana Canevari, a member of Wheel Life Theatre Troupe since 2019, described the show as “a slice of disability culture. It’s a human right to be treated respectfully,” said Canevari, who also provided insight into the fact that, in many cases, theatres themselves are not designed in a way that promotes accessibility, both from a patron perspective, and that of a performer. “There’s room for everyone on stage. However, you can have all the talent in the world, but if you have no place to express it, what are you going to do?” Let’s Get Together seeks to educate and inspire audiences by staging real-world scenarios and pointing out inherent problems, as well as providing solutions. The production promotes the use of person-first language, cites resources to learn more, and provides routes through which to take action as it seeks to further the conversation around disability rights. “Even if it educates just one person,” said Troupe and cast member Wynter Knudsen, “they could tell others.” Tickets for Let’s Get Together are only $15 and are on sale now. They can be purchased through the Box Office (203.315.1901) or Legacy’s website, LegacyTheatreCT.org. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm on non-performance days. For a full schedule of Box Office hours and performances, please visit Legacy’s website. The Legacy Theatre is located in the village of Stony Creek in Branford, CT, at 128 Thimble Islands Road. The Legacy Theatre is committed to providing live theatre and related programming that is accessible to the widest possible audience. Full accessibility and accommodations details can be found on Legacy’s website or by calling the Box Office. For more information on upcoming productions, classes, community events, and sponsorship and partner opportunities, please email Kiersten@LegacyTheatreCT.org

Want to experience life on the farm? Don’t miss Chester Earth Day’s tour of Deep Hollow Farm on April 20, kicking off at 10 a.m.  The Harrington family will share their knowledge about veganism, climate change, and farming organic, no-till veggies. Deep Hollow Farm is located at 42 Deep Hollow Road, right on the fringe of the Cockaponset State Forest. Spots for the FREE talk and tour are limited, so make sure to get on the list ASAP. To do so, email deephollowfarm@gmail.com or phone 970-208-6356. There’s lots more going on during Chester Earth Day that you won’t want to miss, starting with a 9 a.m. town clean-up and a nature walk. On Main Street and in nearby venues, check  out 14+ speakers, 16+ booths, and live music.  The day concludes at Chester Meeting House with children’s author Doe Boyle presenting a reading and activities, followed by the screening of two films. Have questions that can’t be answered on the website? Call 860-662-1317.

New Haven, Conn. ( April 1, 2024)— This summer will sizzle even more at the historic Pardee-Morris House! The 2024 Twilight Concert Series will kick off with a power-house blend of classic Motown hits, funk, and rock by Locomotion on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., (rain date, Thursday, June 27, 2024). Grounds open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m. The 2024 season has been expanded to include five concerts with two sets each. The summer fun will continue with the bluegrass harmonies of Audrey Mae on July 10; the "old school" R&B of The Bernadettes on July 24; cool island sounds by the Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band on August 7, and the sizzling salsa of Movimiento Cultural Afro-Continental on August 28. The free performances are hosted by the New Haven Museum, which owns and operates the historic site. Rain dates for all concerts are the following day. For weather updates visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @newhavenmuseum on FB/IG. Concert Details Grounds open at 5:30 p.m., the concert begins at 6:30 pm. Rain dates for all concerts are the following day. The Pardee-Morris House will be open to visitors for tours till 8 p.m. The public is invited to bring blankets and chairs and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Parking is available on Lighthouse Road.

Photo: RicArtDesign New Haven, Conn. (April 1, 2024) – The New Haven Museum (NHM) will offer a demonstration and exploration of art and history with artist Ricardo Gutiérrez, “From Canvas to Legacy: The Artistry of William Lanson's Portrait,” on April 11, 2024, at 6 p.m., preceded by a reception by Jack’s Steakhouse at 5:30 p.m.. Register here. The free presentation will relate to the work Gutiérrez donated to the museum, “King Lanson, 2022.” Gutiérrez will highlight the processes behind the creation of his portrait of Lanson, a 19th-century New Haven civic leader, entrepreneur and engineer who was elected Black governor in New Haven in 1825, and whose monument in the Elm City was dedicated in 2020. “Lanson’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and determination in the face of adversity, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of individuals to effect change and inspire others,” Gutiérrez says. Visitors will discover the historical context and significance of Lanson's life, his enduring impact on New Haven, and the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations. In a convergence of art and history, the artist will also share insights into his vision, techniques, and the profound significance of portraying Lanson's legacy on canvas. From initial sketches to the final strokes, Gutierrez will discuss the transformation of raw materials into a timeless work of art that honors the life and contributions of Lanson. “I hope that this work sparks curiosity, dialogue, and reflection about Lanson's life and contributions,” says Gutiérrez, “ And that it serves as a lasting tribute to Lanson and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.”

The Legacy Theatre was awarded the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year Excellence Award by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce Keely Baisden Knudsen, Stephanie Stiefel Williams & Jeff Williams BRANFORD, CT March 22, 2024 – Branford’s Legacy Theatre is honored to announce that the theatre was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year Excellence Award by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. Chamber criteria states that this award “recognizes a non-profit that is actively involved with the Chamber and who has made a positive impact on the Shoreline.” The Theatre, along with other Excellence Award recipients in categories such as Excellence in Innovation, Employer of the Year, and New Business of the Year, were recognized by the Chamber at the Annual Excellence Awards Breakfast hosted at The Woodwinds in Branford on Thursday, February 22, 2024. Cindi Bigelow, CEO of Bigelow Tea was the Keynote Speaker at the event, providing insightful responses to attendee questions, including local high school students. “For a relatively new company to receive this recognition after just three years in our new theatre space in Stony Creek is a real honor for us,” said Jeff Provost, Legacy’s Managing Director. “Our team has worked hard and pulled together through some tough times, so it’s especially rewarding to receive this from the Shoreline Chamber which represents a wider region than just our hometown of Branford, CT. We couldn’t be any prouder of the work our board, staff, and volunteers have done so far, or more appreciative of the donors and patrons who helped us get to this point, and 2024 is shaping up to be even better than ever!” The Legacy Theatre is a nonprofit, professional, regional theatre company located in the village of Stony Creek in Branford, CT. Legacy strives to be a premiere arts house and to ensure ongoing seasons of uplifting, inspiring, and challenging theatre and theatre training for all. Seasons include Mainstage productions, a Sunday Broadway Concert Series, a Family Series for young audiences, special events, classes for all ages and abilities, and more. Subscriptions and tickets for Legacy’s 2024 Season are on sale now and can be purchased through the Box Office (203.315.1901) or Legacy’s website, LegacyTheatreCT.org. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm, on non-performance days. For a full schedule of box office hours and performances, please visit Legacy’s website. For more information on upcoming productions, classes, community events, and sponsorship and partner opportunities, please email Kiersten@LegacyTheatreCT.org.

EAST HADDAM, Conn. (March 21, 2024) – Come celebrate with Goodspeed Musicals at their annual Gala & Auction on Saturday, May 18, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre. The evening will take place at The Society Room in Hartford, Conn., a glorious venue to celebrate a major milestone in Connecticut theatre: 40 years of new musical development at The Terris. Guests will enjoy reminiscing about their favorite new musicals shared with family and friends over the years as they mark The Terris Theatre’s ruby anniversary. Festivities will begin with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by a four-course dinner starting at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment will occur throughout the evening including performances and performers from Terris productions, a live auction of unique experiences, and ending with a tribute to 40 years of new musicals developed at The Terris. The evening’s fundraising will be in support of Goodspeed’s development of new musicals. Opening on July 10, 1984, with the new musical Harrigan ‘n Hart by Max Showalter and Michael Stewart, there have been 94 new musicals and 64 world premieres over the last four decades at The Terris. Six productions have moved on to Broadway and nine productions have moved on to Off-Broadway. The most recent Terris Theatre successes include Private Jones, which recently played at Washington, DC’s Signature Theatre; Here You Come Again, which will tour the U.K. and play London’s West End; and  Erica Schmidt’s adaptation of the romantic classic Cyrano starring Peter Dinklage and featuring music by The National, which subsequently played Off-Broadway and later became a feature film. Other notable titles include A Sign of the Times; My Paris; The Theory of Relativity; Snapshots; The Great American Mousical, which was directed by Julie Andrews; The Story of My Life; and All Shook Up. "For 40 years, Goodspeed’s commitment to new work development has been highlighted on the stage at our Terris Theatre. And now, although we are very focused on the work of supporting and elevating new musical theatre and the artists who create it, we will take a night off to celebrate our anniversary!" said Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton. "I hope many will join us on May 18th as we are planning an exceptional evening, which will celebrate the rich history of The Terris and showcase some of the work being planned for future seasons." Goodspeed’s Managing Director David B. Byrd added, "Our growing audience has been the catalyst for everything we’ve achieved over the past 60 years. Collectively, we have launched 88 world premieres, many at our home in Chester, Conn. This year, we celebrate 40 years at our Terris Theatre, employing artists, technicians and theater-makers who will steward two world premieres for audiences of all stripes. At Goodspeed, we really do ‘Make It Here.’ We look forward to celebrating our bright future in May." Tickets and tables for the Gala & Auction are available and may be purchased by contacting Sophia Voglino, Event & Corporate Relations Manager, at svoglino@goodspeed.org or 860-615-0389, as well as online at goodspeed.org/pages/gala. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at several giving levels. For patrons who wish to support Goodspeed Musicals and are unable to attend, there are three other ways to participate: placing a Tribute ad in the Gala Program, making a monetary donation or bidding on the Silent Auction.

Guilford, CT – Get ready to unleash your inner artist as Guilford Art Center (GAC) throws open its doors to welcome participants of all ages for a wide array of Spring classes and workshops. Registration is now open for all Spring classes and workshops for adults, teens and youth. Full catalogs can be viewed or downloaded from www.guilfordartcenter.org. Registration is online on the GAC website, or students can contact the GAC office at (203) 453-5947 or visit the GAC office in person (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm). Delve into a kaleidoscope of mediums, from the delicate intricacies of beading to the fiery craftsmanship of blacksmithing, from the timeless allure of ceramics to the bold strokes of painting. Whether you're a seasoned creator or a budding enthusiast, there's something for everyone to explore and master at GAC. Teens can unleash their creativity with specialized classes in blacksmithing, while younger participants can dive into a world of imagination with offerings such as pottery, drawing, collage and painting. Parent and child workshops are also available. “Art has a way of making our lives vibrant and exciting as we explore our own visions, and it connects us to others as we learn together. Our classroom environments are thriving as people return to the creative endeavors that they love, or have always wanted to try” says GAC Executive Director Maureen Belden. Full listings of all classes can be found on the GAC website at www.guilfordartcenter.org. All questions should be directed to info@guilfordartcenter.org or (203) 453-5947. For more information, contact Guilford Art Center at info@guilfordartcenter.org or call (203) 453-5947.