Welcome to the inaugural digital edition of Curtain!, our member magazine. Just as with the printed version you previously received at home, this issue is filled with stories about Goodspeed, updates on our shows, highlights of our generous donors, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
Beginning with this issue, Curtain! will now be delivered to you three times a year by email, following the same schedule as before. However, we will no longer produce a printed edition. Like many publications that have transitioned to digital, the cost of printing and mailing has risen sharply over the past two years, making a physical magazine cost-prohibitive. As a nonprofit theatre, we’re committed to managing expenses responsibly so we can continue creating the world-class musicals you love on the Goodspeed stages.
We hope you enjoy this new edition of Curtain!. As always, thank you for your continued support of Goodspeed Musicals—we truly couldn’t do it without you.
WHAT'S INSIDE
2026: A Season of Hits! The Education Department: Fostering the Audience of Tomorrow Help Us Fulfill our Wishlist
Travel with Goodspeed 10th Anniversary Festival of New Musicals
Catching Up with Sydney Quildon
Mary Gaskell: Proud Goodspeed Supporter
WEB | goodspeed.org
EDITOR | Rebekah Moses
DESIGNER | Katie Desjardins
CONTRIBUTORS
Lori Cartwright
Michael Fling
Carol Giroux
Jakob Harding
Donna Lynn Hilton
Sarah Kayser
Will Kenny
Dan McMahon
Rebekah Moses
Sophia Voglino
Cover Photo: The cast of A Chorus Line. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR From the
Dear Members,
2025 has been a spectacular year at Goodspeed. We welcomed my new partner in leadership; Managing Director Vanessa Logan; completed the beautiful façade and parking area renovation, produced six entertaining musicals; and experienced Goodspeed’s most successful year ever in ticket sales. There was a time not that long ago when we despaired that our beautiful theatre would ever again be alive with music, dance, and laughter. Together we did it! And we can truthfully say that, in terms of ticket sales, we are back to pre-pandemic strength. I will always hold the story of that recovery in my heart.
But that is only half of our story. Due to the small size of our theatre, ticket sales—even in an incredible year like this one—can only get us halfway. In this time of rising costs, the remainder of our revenue must come through philanthropy. Corporate and public support for the arts has diminished, and we are left with a large gap in our budget. Currently, that gap is filled by drawing on our reserves at a level which is not responsible.
Our Board of Trustees and dedicated team of senior leaders are actively working to create a more sustainable model, but the truth is that we cannot fill the gap with belt tightening alone. We need your help. If you’re able to increase your gift to Goodspeed, please consider doing so. If you lead a business or serve on a foundation, please consider how you might connect us to additional support. If you wish to offer a legacy gift to assure Goodspeed’s endowment remains strong, please let us know.
I am calling you to action. If you would like to learn more about the challenge we face and how you can help, please reach out. We would love to get to know you better as we work together to secure Goodspeed Musicals for generations to come.
With gratitude and warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season,
Donna Lynn Hilton (she/her),
Artistic Director dhilton@goodspeed.org
MANAGING DIRECTOR From the
Dear Members,
As I reflect on my first months at Goodspeed, one truth rises above all: this is a community bound together by genuine care. I felt it immediately—from our members, our artists, and our audiences who believe so deeply in the power of musical theatre and in this treasured place we share.
Some of my most meaningful moments have come from experiencing this community firsthand: the warmth of the Membership Lunch, meeting neighbors in East Haddam, celebrating my first Goodspeed opening night of A Chorus Line, and joining my first full-organization meeting with Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton, who has been the very best partner as I begin my tenure.
As we look ahead, I am energized by the opportunity—and responsibility—before us. The coming year offers new stories to tell, new artists to support, and new audiences to welcome into the Goodspeed family. But the challenges we face are real. Rising costs and shifting revenue streams mean that, now more than ever, your partnership is essential to ensuring Goodspeed’s continued strength.
Membership provides a strong foundation, but gifts throughout the year are vital to sustaining our mission. Every contribution—of any size—is needed so Goodspeed remains a home for creativity, learning and joy for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of our story and for the warmth and support you have shown me during these first months. As we enter the holiday season, I hope you will consider deepening your commitment to Goodspeed. Together, we can ensure its bright future.
The best is truly yet to come.
Vanessa Logan (she/her), Managing Director vlogan@goodspeed.org
CELEBRATING 42 YEARS OF MARY MIKO
BY LORI CARTWRIGHT DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
Usher. Box Office Agent. House Manager. Associate Theatre Manager. Gift Shop Buyer. Special Events Coordinator. Individual Giving Officer.
Few people could take on such a wide-ranging list of roles—and excel in every one. Goodspeed has been remarkably fortunate that, for the past 42 years, that person has been Mary Miko. With Mary’s retirement approaching at the end of December, we took time to look back at her remarkable career at Goodspeed Musicals.
Her love for new musicals is what first drew her to Goodspeed; specifically, to The Terris Theatre. When it opened in 1984, she joined the team as an usher. That role didn’t last long. When the Box Office needed staff, Mary jumped in: “Oh, I’ve done that before; I can help.” When Theatre Manager Ed Blaschik needed someone to oversee Goodspeed’s various properties, she volunteered again: “Oh, I’ve got a background in construction management; I can help.” And when The Terris Theatre needed a house manager? Once more, Mary stepped forward: “I’ve got experience in that; I can help.”
Mary’s love of theatre reaches back to age five, when she performed “Little Buttercup” in a talent show. Growing up in Stratford, she attended children’s theatre and stayed involved in productions throughout high school and college—onstage and behind the scenes. She helped launch the Sacred Heart University Cabaret, juggling box office duties and costume work. When that troupe needed a bigger home, she was part of the team that transformed it into the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport. Later, she worked for the infamous Sylvia Cooper’s Show Bus Tours, guiding theatregoers into NYC three days a week and seeing every Broadway show she could.
Anyone who follows Mary on social media knows that it’s a rare evening when she’s not seeing a show somewhere; in October, the year-to-date total was 153! Grammar school, college theatre, community, and regional theatre; off- and on-Broadway: “I see everything.” Travelers regularly relied on her theatre knowledge during the years she planned and led Goodspeed’s trips to New York and London. And no matter where she vacations—even Croatia and Chile—she finds a way to see a show.
Mary has been an active member of the League of Professional Theatre Women for many years, serving on the board and various committees. She co-founded the organization’s Connecticut chapter, which has since evolved into the Connecticut Theatre Women Network, which promotes gender equity, advocating for women theater artists across disciplines and creating opportunities for colleagues to connect, share resources, and build skills.
A firm believer in the importance of theatre education, Mary serves as an adjudicator for the Halo Awards, which celebrates the best of Connecticut high school theatre with a two-night showcase of actors, singers, crew, and directors at the
Nancy Altschuler, Mary Miko and Gloria Gorton
Edward Blaschik and Mary Miko
Palace Theater in Waterbury. She’s also active with The Stephen Sondheim Awards at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven, which recognizes outstanding achievement in Connecticut high school musical theatre and sponsors the state’s representatives at the prestigious Jimmy Awards, held at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway.
Make no mistake—retirement won’t slow this dynamo down. Mary is also a member of The Dutch Treat Club—a Club of the Arts, Culture & Conversation that meets weekly in NYC—and the Lambs Club, an NYC social club that nurtures those active in the arts. She recently joined the Board of Visitors for Sacred Heart University’s School of Performing Arts. She has lived in Madison with her husband Joe since 1986.
“Theatre is not only my vocation—it’s my avocation,” Mary says. “I love connecting people. If I see someone has a need in the theatre, I introduce them to someone who can help, and hopefully it meshes.” That gift for connection is what makes Mary such a powerful advocate for Goodspeed, says Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton: “Mary’s true skill is loving people—finding them endlessly interesting and worthy of her time and friendship. She never meets a stranger; within minutes she’s made a connection that feels lifelong. I’ve seen her light up every room she enters, turning chance encounters into lasting bonds.”
Mary’s Goodspeed colleagues—past and present—echo the praise of her exceptional people skills. Michael Price affirms that “Mary exudes warmth to our members, supporters, staff, everyone she meets. Her impact on the entire operation is immeasurable.” Sue Frost, former Associate Producer, has known Mary since they started together at The Terris Theatre; “She is a master of all trades, and she knows every patron! She really takes time to get to know people. She’s so full of energy—she never gets tired.”
Frank Stilwagner, Director of Development, is quick to point out the distinctive and indispensable role Mary has occupied in the department. “Her welcoming presence, deep understanding of our organization, and devotion to our Members and Donors have been a cherished gift. Mary leaves an extraordinary legacy of spirit,
dedication, and love for Goodspeed. I am honored to carry that forward.”
Mary’s lighter, fun-loving side comes through clearly in this story shared by Director of Marketing Dan McMahon.: “My favorite memory of Mary is from long-ago opening night parties when we laughed our heads off as we danced on the tables. We really did! Like everyone, I love being around Mary because of her energy and enthusiasm. Maybe it’s the colorful glasses or it could be the big smile—Mary radiates joy.”
Some of Mary’s personal favorite/craziest Goodspeed memories:
When Michael Price announced in a staff meeting that Goodspeed was opening a gift shop in the Gelston House and Mary was going to run it—news to her! During the 7 years that Goodspeed Two operated, she selected the stock and presented book readings by current cast members. Even though she’s afraid of heights, she’s been on the roof of the Opera House many times!
• As a former chair of Safety Committee, she can tell you how many fire extinguishers are on the Goodspeed campus—and where.
• She’s done just about every theatre job there is—but has never directed or done lights or sets.
• Mary’s shoe wardrobe is a thing of legend at Goodspeed; we’re not really sure she’s ever worn a pair more than once!
Thanks to Mary’s extraordinary dedication, Goodspeed is wellpositioned to move confidently into the future. We are deeply appreciative of her 42 years of remarkable service. Thank you, Mary!
If you'd like to celebrate Mary with a gift to Goodspeed's Annual Fund, please CLICK HERE
Your gift will help keep Mary's spirit of warmth, excellence, and care alive on our stages and in our community.
END-OF-YEAR GIVING WAYS TO GIVE
Thank you for being part of the Goodspeed family this year. Truly, your generosity is what keeps this place alive. As members, you already know how much care, talent, and sheer heart goes into every show. And as much as we wish ticket sales could cover it all, they only carry about half of our $16 million budget. If you are able, an end-of-year gift of any size helps us keep ticket prices accessible, keep our doors open, and employ the people you see (and don’t see behind the scenes!) working.
Your support reaches into every corner of this campus—nearly 400 artists and staff, the rehearsal rooms, the shops, the housing, and every future audience member who’s about to fall in love with musical theatre for the first time. As we work to close a $200,000 season gap, your added 2025 gift would have real weight and real impact. If you are able, we would be honored to have you be part of the story this year.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can create a bright future for everyone in our community.
DONATE ONLINE: CLICK HERE to make a secure online donation.
MAIL A CHECK: Send a check made out: Goodspeed Musicals ATTN: Development PO Box A East Haddam, CT 06423
P.S. Remember to write “2025 EOY” in the memo!
CALL US: Would you rather speak to a member of our development team? No problem! We are happy to help. Call 860.615.0365 for assistance with your gift.
2026: A SEASON OF HITS!
BY DAN McMAHON | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
As we come to the end of one of our most memorable seasons, it’s time to look ahead and see what’s next. For 2026, we’ve planned a season that has something for everyone! An Andrew Lloyd Webber mega-hit, a dazzling tap filled Gershwin romp, an exciting world premiere and the triumphant return of the world’s most famous orphan. Just like this season, we expect full houses all year long, so don’t wait—get your season tickets now!
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
The International Sensation
April 17 – June 7
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber | Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music Direction by Adam Souza
Choreographed by Amy Campbell
Directed by Tatiana Pandiani
A cultural phenomenon that shook the world. An electrifying rock score that captured the spirit of a generation. Telling the final days of Jesus through the eyes of Judas and featuring iconic songs like “Superstar” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” Jesus Christ Superstar is a bold story of devotion and doubt. Experience the legendary musical that has captivated audiences for over 50 years!
A Note from Associate Artistic Director Michael Fling
Few scores in the musical theatre canon evoke as strong emotions as Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s hard not to feel electrified when you hear the opening guitar riffs of the Overture; or to want to get up and dance along to the title song. The design of the production is really leaning into the culture of the 60s/70s, which amplifies the story and musical themes in such exciting ways. You are going to be blown away by how this classic show comes to life at The Goodspeed.
CRAZY FOR YOU
The Tap-Dancing Gershwin Hit
June 19 – August 9
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin | Book by Ken Ludwig
Co Conception by Ken Ludwig and Mike Ockrent
Inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and John McGowan
Music Direction by Adam Souza
Choreographed by Kelli Barclay (White Christmas; Anything Goes; Hello, Dolly!)
Directed by Michael Fling
Put on your dancing shoes because Crazy For You, the multiple Tony Award®winning musical comedy, is tapping its way onto the Goodspeed stage. When Broadway hopeful Bobby Child is sent to Nevada to foreclose on an abandoned theatre, he hatches a plan to save the town and get the girl—by putting on a show! Featuring glorious Gershwin melodies including “I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” and “Someone To Watch Over Me,” it’s a spectacular celebration of classic song-and-dance musicals. Who could ask for anything more?
A Note from Associate Artistic Director Michael Fling
Every single year as we start to put together a season, Crazy For You is at the top of the list for shows that we want to put on our stage. Even though it may not be a familiar title to audiences, it is the quintessential song-and-dance musical— the cream of the crop of the genre. It is a prime example of what people love most about a Goodspeed show: classic melodies from the American songbook, light-hearted entertainment, and show-stopping tap dancing!
THE SNOW GOOSE
World Premiere!
August 28 – October 18
By Scott Gilmour & Claire McKenzie
Based on the novel by Paul Gallico
Music Direction by Adam Souza
Choreographed by Misha Shields (Private Jones)
Directed by Marshall Pailet (Private Jones)
On the windswept coast of England, an unlikely bond forms between Philip, a reclusive artist shunned by society, and Frith, a resilient orphan girl, when they rescue a wounded snow goose. With World War II looming, their friendship allows her to imagine a life beyond her village and him to confront his own humanity as he sets sail on a daring journey to save soldiers trapped at Dunkirk. Discover an unforgettable new musical with a soaring score that will fill your heart.
A Note from Associate Artistic Director Michael Fling
It has been a lifelong dream of Donna Lynn’s to adapt this story into a musical, and Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie have made it a reality. They’ve adapted and expanded Paul Gallico’s beloved novel into a poignant and beautiful musical that audiences overwhelmingly loved at our Festival in 2024. We are immensely proud that The Snow Goose is the product of the GoodWorks Commissioning Program and will make its world premiere at Goodspeed before—hopefully— it flies to stages all over the globe.
ANNIE
50th Anniversary of Goodspeed’s Greatest Hit!
October 30 – December 27
Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Original Broadway Production Directed by Martin Charnin
Based on “Little Orphan Annie”
By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Music Direction by Adam Souza
Choreographed by Patti Wilcox (Gypsy, The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie)
Directed by Jenn Thompson (Gypsy, Anne of Green Gables, Oklahoma!, The Music Man)
Leapin' Lizards! The musical that stole America’s heart comes home to celebrate its 50th anniversary on the stage where it all began! With pluck and positivity, Annie escapes Miss Hannigan’s orphanage in search of her parents and finds a new family with her lovable mutt Sandy and billionaire Oliver Warbucks. This dazzling new production bursts with joy and timeless songs like “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” and “Maybe.” You can bet your bottom dollar—it’s the can’t-miss event of the season!
A Note from Associate Artistic Director Michael Fling
Fifty years ago, the idea of a musical based on the comic Little Orphan Annie seemed like a terrible idea to most people. But thanks to the chutzpah of Michael Price (or his wife Jo-Ann’s wisdom) and vision of the original creative team, an unlikely phenomenon debuted in the summer of 1976. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Goodspeed we know and love wouldn’t exist without the contribution of Annie to our legacy, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming her home to celebrate this historic anniversary.
Learn more about Season Tickets
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: FOSTERING THE AUDIENCE OF THE FUTURE
BY SARAH KAYSER | MARKETING/GRAPHICS ASSISTANT
Do you remember your first experience in the theatre? Perhaps your parents took you, or a friend invited you, or you had a free night and thought, “why not?” Whatever got you here, if you’re reading Curtain! magazine, we’ll take an educated guess that theatre is important to you. At Goodspeed, we aim to foster that important connection between youth and theatre as a bridge to a lifetime of participation in the arts. That mission is tackled by our fabulous Education department…if you can call a one-man army a department (and we do!).
Nick Palazzo is our Education & Engagement Manager and is always running between his desk and schools around Connecticut, connecting with our future audience members. He’s been involved with Goodspeed since 2009, when he helped stage manage a reading of Band Geeks! along with The Hartt School. He even performed in the 2010 Festival of New Musicals (Lincoln in Love). Starting in 2022, he began his employment at Goodspeed, switching to full-time in 2023.
Every day is a little different: some days Nick works in schools, teaching classes about theatre and the show they’re going to be traveling to see. On other days, he attends career fairs to help recruit for other departments. He also runs our Open Caption and Sensory-Friendly performances, providing access to communities that might not always get to enjoy live theatre. Engaging with our community and opening our doors to anyone excited about theatre sums up a big part of what Nick does here, and it’s such a critical position that we’re lucky to have!
Nick’s biggest program is the Arts Education Collaboration (AEC), which welcomes students to a day at the theatre free of charge, thanks to generous sponsors and donations from you!. The program has grown to welcome over 1,800 students from 54 different schools throughout the 2025 season. These schools come from across Connecticut to enjoy a workshop with some of our actors and a teaching artist, lunch by the river, and a ticket for a matinee performance. If you’ve been to Goodspeed for a
Wednesday matinee, chances are you’ve seen this program in action! Aside from AEC, he also recently spearheaded our student matinees: a new program welcoming a house filled entirely with students for an extra performance on a Monday or Tuesday!
With so many students coming through our doors, Nick says his favorite thing is when he recognizes returning students. “They remember their past experience and are excited to come back,” he says. “To me, that means we’re doing our job.” Nick aims to create good memories of Goodspeed and hopes that these students will one day grow up to bring their own families here. Creating memories that build towards a lifetime of theatre, whether they’re at every show or come by once a year for a special occasion, is how we stay afloat in this ever-changing world of entertainment. We thank Nick for his hard work and dedication to making this dream a reality!
Our Amazon Wishlist is full of practical, everyday needs, from supplies for our company management team to essentials that keep our rehearsal studio running. Your contribution ensures that the artists who spend the better part of three months with us are well taken care of.
Did you know that the winter months are the only time that Goodspeed has to complete major housing updates and refreshes? Help us welcome the artists of the 2026 season with a much-needed item from our Wishlist! The best part? Your donation will have a direct impact on the artists and staff living and working on our campus.
PHOTO CREDITS: Karli DiNardo (Cassie in A Chorus Line) leads a choreography workshop with students from Middletown High School as part of the AEC program; Nick Palazzo teaches a workshop. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
TRAVEL WITH GOODSPEED!
BY SOPHIA VOGLINO | EVENT & CORPORATE RELATIONS OFFICER
Save the Date! Goodspeed is thrilled to announce two unforgettable travel experiences coming in 2026.
In the spring, March 18–22, join us for our immersive NYC Theatre Fundraising Tour, featuring a luxurious stay at the 5-star InterContinental Hotel, round-trip coach transportation, welcome and farewell dinners, daily breakfast with fellow travelers, a guided walking food tour, behind-the-scenes theatre moments, and tickets to Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York, Giant, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and more.
FALL TRAVEL RECAP
Next fall, October 10–22, we’ll journey to London and Paris for a spectacular international theatre experience. Our trip begins with a stay at the 5-star luxury Kimpton Russell Square, where we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner, a local tour, and four London shows—including the highly-acclaimed Paddington. Then we’ll hop aboard the Eurostar to Paris for three unforgettable days of sightseeing with a Parisian guide, plus visits to the Moulin Rouge, the Paris Opera Ballet, and more.
Mark your calendar—full details and registration coming soon!
Be part of our first-ever trip to Paris!
BY WILL KENNY | INDIVIDUAL GIVING & CIVIC RELATIONS OFFICER
LONDON: Goodspeed’s Annual Fundraising Trip to London was a tremendous success, bringing together twenty-three guests and five staff members, four of whom experienced traveling with Goodspeed for the first time! The group represented a wonderful mix of longtime donors and newer friends of Goodspeed. From October 11 through 19, the itinerary included an exciting range of performances— Hercules at the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, fanfavorite The Choir of Man, a fantastic revival of Oliver!, an early preview of 50 First Dates, and The Devil Wears Prada, featuring music by Elton John and starring the incomparable Vanessa Williams. Finally, My Neighbor Totoro offered a non-musical production that showcased stunning and innovative puppetry.
The journey aboard the luxurious Pullman Train to Derbyshire was another unforgettable experience, complete with white-glove service and a visit to Chatsworth House and gardens. Beyond the formal itinerary, one of the greatest values of this entire trip came through the time staff spent alongside guests, visiting museums such as the Churchill War Rooms, Tate Britain, the British Museum, and the Charles Dickens Museum (to name a few); dining together; and simply enjoying shared moments throughout London. Each evening, many travelers gathered in the Kimpton Fitzroy’s lounge for daily debriefs! These quiet moments allowed staff to connect with guests on a personal level, learning about their relationships with Goodspeed, their passions, and interests. The trip culminated with a truly memorable evening: a private dinner in one of Fortnum & Mason’s exclusive dining rooms, one of His Majesty’s personal favorite establishments!
Travelers repeatedly complimented the flexibility of Goodspeed’s trips, the camaraderie among travelers, and
the overall sense of ease and hospitality they experienced. Several guests have already marked their calendars for the 2026 London–Paris trip!
NEW YORK CITY and NAMT: The “special-edition” Goodspeed trip to NYC took place October 23–25, and brought together a total of 16 travelers, made up of longtime Goodspeed supporters, new friends, and staff members. After taking a van from East Haddam to New York City, we began the journey with dinner together at Langan’s on the first evening, a great way to set the tone for a fantastic trip. Staying at the InterContinental Times Square kept us right in the heart of the theatre district and created a perfect home base for a few days centered around the importance of musical theatre.
The highlight of the trip was the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals, an annual industry event that gives a first look at emerging works. We spent a full day seeing new pieces in development and gaining a deeper understanding of how shows grow from concept to stage and how organizations like Goodspeed play a vital role in that pipeline. Attending the Festival also encouraged our guests that had never been to our own Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals to grab their tickets for our 20th Anniversary in January!
We also attended two exciting Broadway shows: The Queen of Versailles, starring Kristin Chenoweth; and Chess, a revival of the cult classic with an all-star cast. Overall, our excursion to NYC was an inspiring and eye-opening experience for everyone! Interested in the next trip? We are heading back to NYC in Spring 2026 and would love for you to join us.
FestivalGoodspeed of 20 ANNIVERSARY th New Musicals
BY MICHAEL FLING, ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & JAKOB HARDING, PRODUCING ASSISTANT
2026 marks our 20th Anniversary Festival of New Musicals! If you've missed out on all the fun for the past two decades, now is the year to join us. We've got three exciting new musicals-in-development that will be showcased with staged readings (you can learn more about them below) plus a special concert, cabaret, and seminars about the hottest topics in the industry.
MISS HYSTERIA
Friday, Jan 16 at 7:30pm
Book & Lyrics by Laura Schein & Ben Zeadman
Music by Ben Zeadman
Laura Schein and Ben Zeadman have created a truly electrifying musical with a book and score that will get you hooked from the first beat. The story follows Louise Gleizes, a wrongly admitted patient in a 19th century Paris mental institution, who performed symptoms of “hysteria” in exchange for freedom. By now, most people know that we discover some of the most exciting new musicals at the Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove—our writing retreat for musical theatre creators hosted at Goodspeed every winter in our Artists Village. When Miss Hysteria came for a residency last winter, it marked the return to East Haddam of Laura Schein (formerly Harrison), who was an original cast member in Holiday Inn a decade ago! Laura and Ben are both equally exciting artists whose work on this show has resulted in numerous achievements, including the prestigious ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop with Stephen Schwartz. The show’s compelling story and captivating score have led it to also winning ASCAP’s 2023 Lucille & Jack Yellen Award. We’re ecstatic about having them rejoin us at Goodspeed for the next step in their development process for this show—and for audiences at Goodspeed to see yet another success from the Grove!
F WORD
Saturday, Jan 17 at 7:30pm
Music & Lyrics by Alyssa Payne
Book by Sara Matin
Let’s start with the elephant in the room…Foster. That’s the f-word in question. Not the other f-word. Or the other other f-word. Every musical is a unique creation, but F Word exists in a rare genre. This musical, straight from the mind of an angsty teenager in the foster care system, sheds light on the problems within the system that tend to go unnoticed while introducing some fun and heart into the mix. When we first read a draft of the show, we were immediately taken with Sara and Alyssa’s ability to bring humanity into their words and music. It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking, but most of all—it’s brilliant. We’re always looking for musicals that fill a void in the musical theatre canon, and F Word ignites a conversation that’s been neglected for too long. We’ll spend a lot of time in 2026 talking about the fiftieth anniversary of a very pivotal orphan in Goodspeed’s history, so it feels right that the Festival will add another optimistic orphan to the musical theatre canon.
FOOLPROOF
Sunday, Jan 18 at 1pm
Book by Megan Loughran & Sonya Hayden
Lyrics by Megan Loughran
Music by Sonya Hayden
I’ll admit it…when I first heard the pitch for Foolproof, I was very skeptical. Reimagining the Three Stooges as three sisters? It sounded like a horrible idea to me—but thankfully, we took a look anyway and discovered this delightfully charming and fun show. Though I’m not intimately familiar with the classic antics of Larry, Mo, and Curly, their female counterparts are instantly loveable, and the story that Sonya and Megan have crafted stands on its own as hilarious and silly romp. Foolproof has the crazy antics of The Drowsy Chaperone and the jazzy golden-age sound of Crazy For You, a stellar combination that we think will make the perfect finale to the 20th Anniversary Festival.
Learn more about the Festival of
New Musicals
As we celebrate 20 years of the Festival, we’re inviting all members to join the celebration. Your support doesn’t just make the Festival possible—it fuels the entire pipeline of new work, from first reading to full production.
BECOME A 2026 FRIEND TODAY!
With a tax-deductible gift of $500 per person, you’ll receive:
VIP seating at all Festival events (including the concert and cabaret)
Recognition in Festival program and lobby displays
Invitations to industry readings and special events throughout the year
• A quarterly Friends newsletter with exclusive updates
• Special access to events tied to the world premiere of The Snow Goose on The Goodspeed mainstage in fall 2026
If you are interested in becoming a Friend, please contact Mattie E. Hinckley mhinckley@goodspeed.org or 860-615-0333
PHOTO CREDITS: Sydney Quildon in R+J Fire on the Bayou, students in The Carol of the Bells, Cheeyang Ng performs a Festival Cabaret. Photos by Diane Sobolewski.
CATCHING UP WITH SYDNEY QUILDON
You may remember Sydney Quildon from this summer's production of All Shook Up—she was in the ensemble and understudied the character Lorraine. Some of you may also have seen her in our Festival of New Musicals for three years in a row, from 2023-2025. Well, now you can find her on Broadway in Book of Mormon! Goodspeed's Associate Artistic Director Michael Fling caught up with her recently to discuss her path from Hartt to Broadway.
Michael Fling: Hi, Sydney! How is life on Broadway in Book of Mormon?
Sydney Quildon: I'm good! I'm really enjoying it. I'm about five weeks into playing Nabulungi, and it has been such an amazing time.
MF: Has everyone and their dog come to see you so far?
SQ: Yes, everyone makes fun of me because at least six nights a week, I have the guest list filled out at the at the stage door for all the people coming to visit. Whether it's Hartt people or Goodspeed friends, I've been really lucky to be surrounded by a lot of great people who will come out to support me.
MF: What has been the most emotional night of the experience so far?
SQ: It was actually before my debut. The most emotional I got was having my first rehearsal on the stage. Prior to that, we all didn't feel it was real because it was something I had just dreamed about for so long. It was just me, Jen Werner, our Assistant Director and Graham Bowen, our Dance Captain and all of a sudden it just felt real. I was singing “Sal Tlay Ka Siti,” her big song in Act 1, and I just started bawling. I could not even believe that it was happening, and I got to sing it on the stage.
MF: I love that. So, you broke a Goodspeed record in many ways because you were involved in the Festival of New Musicals on three separate occasions during your time at The Hartt School. Talk to us about what that experience was like and how it has shaped you as a performer.
SQ: I am so grateful for the years that I had being a part of the Festival and getting to work at Goodspeed for those two weeks with the amazing teams that came in to develop their shows. I think the most invaluable thing was getting to learn how different teams work and getting to experience all different types of processes. Getting to experience that was so important, I think, in my development as an artist. It was such a big growth moment for me. The Little Miss Perfect team especially trusted me with their work; coming in as a Sophomore, I was younger than everyone else. I felt like it forced me to rise to the occasion, and I’m so grateful for that. It led me to so many other great things…you know, my first time getting paid to do theatre work was with Joriah [Kwamé]!
MF: What's one favorite Festival memory?
SQ: I think my favorite memory was watching Joriah write and basically invent my character on the fly. Getting to see that and be a part of the creation of the show that hopefully I'll go see, and finding out what it's become…but seeing it in those first stages of becoming what it is was so amazing. Having somebody write on your voice as you sing it—I had never experienced anything like that before, and it was a time I'll never forget.
MF: So if it weren't for your classmates, Xavier Turner and Behr Marshall (who were in Ragtime), you probably would've broken the record on shortest time between graduating from Hartt and appearing on the Goodspeed
Sydney Quildon and the cast of All Shook Up.
Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
stage, since you were in the ensemble of All Shook Up this past summer. What was that experience like and how did that ready you to move to New York and basically go straight into a Broadway show?
SQ: Yeah, it was the best summer ever and such an insane time, but to get to be at this place where I felt so at home, surrounded by all of these amazing people who have invested so much in my artistry—I couldn't imagine [getting my Equity card] any other way. It was such a dream come true. But it was such a crazy time because I was doing the show at Goodspeed and on my off days, I was taking the train into the city and auditioning, trying to figure out what was next. And then the audition for Book of Mormon came along!
MF: So beyond just being at Goodspeed and fulfilling that dream—what made the All Shook Up experience so special?
SQ: Stephen Oremus (original music supervisor of All Shook Up, Wicked, and Book of Mormon) came up at one point to visit rehearsal, listen to us do some of the ensemble stuff, and tell us stories about the creation of the project. And we had our director, Danny Goldstein, who was working on the original production 20 years ago—so it was amazing to not only be a part of the cast at Goodspeed, but a part of something that was such a legacy for them and something that had such history. I had so many people come up to me when I was leaving the theater after shows telling me they had seen the original production at The Terris 20 years ago. Having that interaction with an audience was a once in a lifetime experience.
MF: I think it goes without saying that we are immensely proud of you. Seeing you achieve this at such a young age is so exciting, and you’re so deserving of it. We can’t wait to welcome you back to East Haddam in the future. But in the meantime, can you reflect a little bit on the impact Goodspeed has had on you?
SQ: Getting to spend my four years of college so close to such a powerhouse in the musical theatre and Broadway world was incredibly impactful. To experience the history of not only that building, but all the people who have gone through it and have worked there. To see the costume stock and see costumes from shows I had watched on TV as a kid—getting to be around that gave me such a deep respect for this industry. I feel like artistically I got to grow up at Goodspeed. And I feel like that was the place where so many people invested in me and my talent as a person, as an artist so wholeheartedly. I really got to spread my wings at Goodspeed. I've been championed by so many people there that I can't ever really thank everyone there enough for what they've done for me and how they've helped me get to where I am now—which is why I'll always love it there.
MF: You are too sweet. Well, you are more than deserving of everything that has happened to you, and we are so proud and happy to be a part of your journey. I’ll just leave it at that before I get too sappy. Everyone, go see Book of Mormon if you’re in New York!
SQ: Yes, please! And I can’t wait for next season to come up and visit!
MARY GASKELL: PROUD GOODSPEED SUPPORTER
BY CAROL GIROUX | PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
“Life is a cabaret” is the famous lyric from Cabaret, but for Mary Gaskell, an enthusiastic Goodspeed Musicals supporter, it’s her mantra. Born in the Midwest, Mary first fell in love with musical comedy at her Scottsdale, Arizona high school, honing her skills at Northwestern University and through summer stock.
Arriving in New York City eager to be on Broadway, her first job was typing out the script of none other than Cabaret. Her last endeavor to be on stage was a Goodspeed audition, which she walked out of when a lightbulb went off that being an actor may not be her calling.
With a brand-new passion for a steady day job in the business world, Mary pursued careers at Seventeen magazine, CBS television, and finally, as owner of her own advertising agency. Simultaneously, her personal life unfolded as she married, started a family, and sadly, moved through the loss of her first husband.
Some years later when Mary remarried, date nights with her second husband were at The Goodspeed. “My husband was a season ticket holder, and I fell in love with Goodspeed,” she said. Beyond seeing Goodspeed’s productions, they participated in the New York City bus trips and donated money to support the theatre.
When Mary was widowed a second time, she dug in her heels with all that she held dear: her business, her family, and her support of Goodspeed.
“Goodspeed is very precious to me and has been for over a decade. It is my joy, and I decided over the years to do more than purchase tickets; I decided to donate and increase my donations,” Mary shared. “To have Goodspeed in our backyard, to hear the orchestra going like gangbusters, and to see shows that are as good or better than what I’ve seen on Broadway—I am beyond words. It's as good as it gets.”
According to Mary, “So I went to the ‘Cabaret’—New York City— not knowing it wouldn't be the Broadway stage where I would find my success; it would be advertising. Now, at this time in my life, I can give back to my love for theatre by supporting Goodspeed Musicals.”
A TRIBUTE TO BOWDIE
During the week of Thanksgiving, Goodspeed was saddened to hear of the passing of our four-legged friend Bowdie, who played the title role in Because of Winn Dixie, the musicalwhich appeared at The Goodspeed in 2019. Josie Todd, who brought Winn Dixie’s best friend Opal to life, shares with us his impact on her life and the lives of so many others.
Dear Bowdie,
Some may think it is silly to say a dog changed your life, but I truly mean it when I say you changed mine. When I was thirteen years old, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to work with a dog onstage in Because of Winn Dixie the Musical at Goodspeed. I had no idea that the experience would give me a support system I would carry with me for the rest of my life.
Bowdie, you were the smartest dog anyone could ever meet. You guided me through one of the biggest transitions of my life and quickly became a best friend. You always seemed to know exactly what I was feeling before I even had a chance to realize it myself. I can still tell you the exact smell of your food, the way you would turn into a puppy again whenever I threw your ball, how you never left my side during sleepovers, and how your back legs would slide to each side when you settled down to rest. These details have stayed with me for the past six years because they were part of the bond we shared, a bond that changed me forever.
One of my favorite things about you, Bowdie, was the relationship you had with Bill Berloni. Bill was more than a trainer to you. He was your person. Your connection was built on trust, patience, and years of working side by side, and it was something truly beautiful to witness. I am so incredibly thankful that I got to be a small part of your journey together.
Bowdie, your absence will be felt every time I think about my summer in East Haddam. So many of the blessings from that experience came from every moment I spent with you. Bowdie, you will forever be my Winn Dixie, and I will miss you more than words can describe.
I love you, BoBo. Rest in peace.
Josie
Goodspeed sends our love and condolences to the Berloni family, and all those who were touched by Bowdie’s wonderful life, both onstage and off.
