GOODSPEED MUSICALS 2024 SEASON
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Next at The Goodspeed
NOV 1 - DEC 29
Goodspeed unwraps a glittering musical version of the beloved movie classic just in time for the holidays. The only thing little Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun. But to get it, he must navigate all the obstacles of the yuletide season. Will a neighborhood bully, a strict school teacher, a distracted dad and a department store Santa thwart his quest? There’s something for everyone in this hilarious love letter to Christmas past. A package of naughty and nice nostalgia to warm your winter!
DONNA LYNN HILTON
Artistic Director presents A Non-Profit Arts Organization
From an original idea by KYLE FALCONER and LAURA WILDE
Songs by KYLE FALCONER
Book by
LAURA WILDE and JOHNNY McKNIGHT
With
JOHN McLARNON ANNA RUSSELL-MARTIN
Scenic Design by LEILA KALBASSI
Sound Design by JAY HILTON
Director of Production ENDLA BURROWS
Costume Design by CATE MACKIE
UK Sound Design by RITCHIE YOUNG
Production Manager DOMINICK PINTO
Lighting Design by GRANT ANDERSON
Casting by MICHAEL HOWELL
Associate Artistic Director MICHAEL FLING
Music Direction and Arrangements by GAVIN WHITWORTH
Directed by ANDREW PANTON and TASHI GORE
First Performance: September 27, 2024 at The Terris Theatre
Founding Director MICHAEL P. PRICE
Associate Lighting Design by BEV FREMIN
Production Stage Manager JULIE GOTTFRIED
General Manager GRETCHEN WRIGHT
Produced through Special Association with BPM Theatrical Originally Produced and Developed by Dundee Rep Theatre; Dundee, Scotland
The Norma Terris/Albert D. Firestone Foundation
Marquee Producing Partners: RUSSELL TAIT AND LEE ANDERSON In-Kind Season Sponsors
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Lana ........................................................................................................... ANNA RUSSELL-MARTIN
Jessie JOHN McLARNON
MUSICIAN
Keyboard/Conductor GAVIN WHITWORTH
Covid Safety Officer KRISTAN McLAUGHLIN
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Stressball
Jessie, Lana
Monsters ...................................................................................................... Jessie, Lana
Rake It In...................................................................................................... Jessie, Lana
Moan Jessie, Lana
Still Here ...................................................................................................... Jessie, Lana
Mother ......................................................................................................... Jessie, Lana
Listen Lana Jessie
Lana ........................................................................................................................ Jessie
Monsters Reprise ........................................................................................ Jessie, Lana
Don’t Call Me Baby Jessie, Lana
Wait Around ................................................................................................. Jessie, Lana
No Love Songs will be performed without an intermission.
WHO’S WHO
JOHN McLARNON* (Jessie) trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Recent television/film credits include: Blood of My Blood (Starz), Irvine Welsh’s CRIME (ITVX/ Britbox), Matilda (Netflix), Wasting Love (Amazon), Outlander (Starz), Expensive S*** (Barry Crerar/ BBC Films). John’s recent theatre credits include: No Love Songs (Dundee Rep/Traverse Theatre), Orphans (National Theatre of Scotland), Local Hero (Lyceum Edinburgh), My Left Right Foot (National Theatre of Scotland), Sunshine On Leith (West Yorkshire Playhouse/UK Tour), Apologia (Trafalgar Studios, West-End), The Commitments (Palace Theatre, West-End), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre, West-End).
ANNA RUSSELL-MARTIN* (Lana) Training: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The Dance School of Scotland. Theatre includes: Macbeth (Royal Shakespeare Company); Nora: A Doll’s House (Young Vic, Citizens Theatre); Exodus, The Panopticon (National Theatre of Scotland); Life is a Dream (Royal Lyceum Theatre); Wolfie, Me and My Sister Tell Each Other Everything, Bunny (Tron Theatre). TV includes: Karen Pirie (ITV), Annika (Alibi), Casualty (BBC). Films include: Falling Into Place, On Falling, Ghostlight, You Land, The Shift. Awards include: Rising Star Scotland 2024, Offie Nomination Lead Performance in a Musical 2024, highly commended Ian Charleson Awards 2022 and 2024, Cats Best Female Performance 2020.
KYLE FALCONER (Songs) is a Mercury Prize-nominated artist whose career hit the headlines with the band The View with their number 1 debut album Hats Off to the Buskers. He has since gone on to write another 5 albums with The View as well as featuring on Mark Ronson’s album and touring with him for 5 years. He went on to have his first daughter, Wylde, during this time. Kyle wrote his debut solo album No Thank You, which received the Scottish Album of the Year award. After travelling around the world with his family and having his second child Winnie, he then went on to write his second solo album No Love Songs for Laura. He welcomed his third child, Jett, during this time. After a 5-year break, The View released their 7th album Exorcism of Youth, which topped the Scottish Album charts in 2023.
LAURA WILDE (Book) is starting her career in writing after taking time out to focus on having her three children. She studied an HND in Fashion Textiles during this time and travelled around the world with her family and is now focusing on pursuing her passion for writing.
JOHNNY McKNIGHT (Book) is an award-winning writer, director, dramaturg and performer. He has been described as the “vanguard of post-modernist panto,” with over 30 productions and accreditations. Screen credits include BBC’s Queen of the New Year, Holby City and River City (for which his 20th anniversary special won the 2023 Royal Television Award Scotland for Best Drama). Johnny was director of Douglas Maxwell’s The Promise, nominated for a Drama Desk Award in 2010. He served as Associate Artist at National Theatre of Scotland (2020-2023) and Playwrights Studio Scotland. Recent credits: Director of Thrown (Edinburgh International Festival/National Theatre of Scotland), Radiant Vermin (Tron Theatre), book writer of 101 Dalmatians: The Musical (Number 1 UK Tour) and Rubble (Scottish Opera). Current work includes 2 main-stage musicals for National Theatre of Scotland and a feature and sitcom for Fable Pictures. Johnny holds the position of Reader of Playwriting & Screenwriting at St Andrews University.
ANDREW PANTON (Co-Director) is an award-winning director working internationally across theatre, music and television. He is Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre in Scotland. For Goodspeed, Andrew previously directed the world premiere of Hi, My Name is Ben and has directed productions for Royal Lyceum Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Royal & Derngate Northampton, Perth Theatre, The Stephen Joseph Theatre and the National Theatre of Scotland. Andrew’s work for television includes: Children in Need, The Naked Choir and The Voice (BBC). He was one of the creative directors for the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. He was creative director for Susan Boyle on five of her albums and conceived and directed her premiere UK and international tours. In 2019 he directed a new, immersive production of Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover, which premiered at the Faena Theatre in Miami. Andrew is a Visiting Professor and Fellow at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a previous winner of the Bruce Millar Award for directing.
TASHI GORE (Co-Director) is a UK-based artist working as a director, facilitator, producer and consultant predominantly in socially engaged contexts, co-creation and artist development. She specializes in autobiographical performance and devised theatre. From 2020-2024, Tashi was Associate Director at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, where she first co-directed No Love Songs. Tashi is Co-Artistic Director of multi award-winning Glass Performance, a company that makes innovative performance collaborating with individuals, families and communities including within the justice system. Tashi is a visiting lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a facilitator and trainer in the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process.
WHO’S WHO
She co-authored A Beginners Guide to Devising Theatre (Bloomsbury, 2019). Tashi has worked with organizations such as the National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, Roundhouse in London, Dance Exchange in Maryland, Bridge Park in Washington DC, Rogaland Theatre in Norway and The British Council.
GAVIN WHITWORTH (Music Director and Arrangements) is a graduate of York University, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He has spent many years working on new writing with organisations such as Perfect Pitch, Mercury Musical Developments, and Goodspeed Musicals (USA). Musical Directing credits include Oor Wullie and The Snow Queen (Dundee Rep); Hi, My Name Is Ben (Goodspeed Musicals, USA); But First This and The Witches of Eastwick (Watermill Theatre, Newbury); Beauty and the Beast and Hansel and Gretel (Citizens Theatre), Wasted Love and The Improvised Musical (Edinburgh Fringe); Glasgow Girls (Raw Materials) and Room (NTS/Stratford East/Grand Theatre Ontario). Composition credits include Some Small Love Story (Hartshorn Hook), Neverland (Theatre Deli), White Fang (Park Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earnest (Perth Theatre).
LEILA KALBASSI (Scenic Designer) has been Dundee Rep Theatre’s Scenic Designer since 2003, having trained in Design at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1996, and has a degree in Film Design. Designs for Dundee Rep Theatre include: The History of Paper, No Love Songs, The A-Z of Dundee, The 39 Steps, Arturo Ui, Spoiling, Midsummer, Talk to Me like the Rain, Hecuba. For Scottish Dance Theatre / Stellar Quines / Edinburgh Lyceum: The Lover. Leila has also designed numerous productions for Rep Engage. She has worked extensively as a freelance model maker, Scenic Artist, and Design Assistant. Leila has also worked with National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Ballet, Perth Theatre, CBBC, Girl Guiding UK, and Planet Hollywood Restaurants. She has also been involved in UNESCO/Dundee City Council pavement art projects. Leila leads workshops on Stage Design and Scenic Art for schools, students and adult Professional Development groups.
CATE MACKIE (Costume Designer) is Head of Costume at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, having worked as a costume maker and supervisor in costume departments across the UK and as a Costume Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She has costumed shows such as The Steamie and Dracula, musicals including Cabaret and Copacabana and operas including Cendrillon and Gianni Schicchi. She has designed costumes for shows including Far From The Maddening Crowd, Lysistrata, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Last Days of Judas Iscariot as well as Dundee Rep’s tours of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The 39 Steps and History of Paper
GRANT ANDERSON (Lighting Designer) is a lighting designer for the entertainment industry whose work covers the worlds of theatre, music, events, fashion and architecture. Grant trained at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland receiving the Dean of Drama Award for Best Individual Work. Theatre projects include work for The National Theatre of Scotland, The Edinburgh International Festival, Dundee Repertory Theatre, The Lyceum Edinburgh, The Citizens Glasgow, The Tron Glasgow, Noisemaker, Birds of Paradise, Sleeping Warrior and Sell A Door Worldwide. Grant is the lighting designer for some of Scotland’s major events including The Enchanted Forest, GlasGLOW, Elfingrove and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. As well as the UK, Grant designs internationally for the team at Woodroffe Bassett Design, WBD. For more information on Grant’s work please visit www.grantanderson.design
JAY HILTON (Sound Designer) is pleased to continue his long association with Goodspeed Musicals and to be part of the Scottish import No Love Songs. He is also happy to be working again with Director Andrew Panton and Music Director Gavin Whitworth, previously here together for Hi, My Name Is Ben. Jay has designed countless productions at both The Goodspeed and The Terris Theatre. In addition to being Goodspeed’s Resident Sound Designer, Jay serves as their Audio Supervisor and also spends some of his time recording, mixing and mastering musical theatre content for streaming platforms. He and his wife, Goodspeed Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton, make their home (and garden) in Hadlyme, Connecticut with Cookie and Macy.
RITCHIE YOUNG (UK Sound Designer) is the Head of Sound & Video at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre and has an extensive background working throughout Scotland and internationally both in Theatre and Dance. Most recently, Ritchie was the Sound Designer on Sunset Song (Dundee Rep, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh), Pirates! (Scottish Dance Theatre) and A History of Paper (Dundee Rep Theatre).
MICHAEL HOWELL (Casting) is a Glasgow-based Casting Director. Recent work includes: A History of Paper, The Grand Old Opera House Hotel (Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh), No Love Songs (UK & International Tour), Kidnapped (National Theatre of Scotland), Hindu Times (Edinburgh International Festival), Oor Wullie (Selladoor), Don Juan (Perth Theatre), Still Game: Live (Phil McIntyre Entertainments/SEE Hydro). For Dundee Rep Theatre: Snake in the Grass, This is a Love Story, Wings Around Dundee, Measure for Measure, A Christmas Carol, The Vagina Monologues, The Steamie and Cinderella. As Casting Consultant: The Fifth Step (Edinburgh International Festival). As Associate Casting Director for James Orange Casting: Frozen (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), On The Town (Hyogo Performing Arts Centre, Japan) and Dr. Doolittle (Music & Lyr-
WHO’S WHO
ics, UK Tour). Michael is the former head of Musical Theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and continues to manage the BA Honours in Acting and Creative Enterprise at New College Lanarkshire, Scotland.
JULIE GOTTFRIED* (Production Stage Manager) holds a BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Central Florida. Select credits, Off Broadway: Winesday: The Musical (PSM), Drunk Shakespeare (PSM), Goldie, Max & Milk (ASM), Candida (ASM), The Democracy Project (ASM). Regional: Million Dollar Quartet (PSM), Applause (PSM), Animals out of Paper (ASM). Event work: ALF-CIO 2022 Convention (ASM), The Drama League Awards 2022/2023 (ASM).
BPM THEATRICAL Scottish Theatre Producer and Investor dedicated to bringing new stories and voices to the stage. Previous projects have included: Broadway: Suffs, The Notebook and Death of a Salesman. West End: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardobe and Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist. Upcoming projects include Here and Now and Big Wig
JOEY MONDA is a 3x Tony Award-winning producer and General Manager. Select Broadway producing credits include: Days of Wine & Roses, The Notebook, Hadestown (Tony Award), The Inheritance (Tony Award), A Strange Loop (Tony Award), Slave Play. Off-Broadway: Michael John LaChiusa’s Los Otros, Seth Rudetsky’s DISASTER!, Fern Hill, and Smart Blonde. An active member of The Off-Broadway League, Joey is also a member of the Broadway League and National Alliance for Musical Theatre where he general manages their annual Festival of New Musicals. SingOutLouiseProductions.com
ENDLA BURROWS (Director of Production) has 25 years of creative management experience with a focus on balancing artistic vision with logistic needs. She was an integral part of the Industrial Light and Magic team that created visual effects for dozens of films including the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Twister, Mission Impossible, and Pirates of the Caribbean. As Director of the Jim Henson Creature Shop, she oversaw bidding, production and client management for a diverse slate of television, film, commercial and theater productions including Sesame Street, Where the Wild Things Are, and Goodspeed’s production of Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas. At Digital Domain, Endla supervised the Editorial, Tech services and Training departments for I, Robot and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Ever looking for new challenges, Endla has worked as an assistant director, technical consultant and graphics producer.
DOMINICK PINTO (Production Manager) [he/him] is excited about his expanded position at Goodspeed Musicals as the Production Manager and third season as the Technical Director. Previously Technical Director for Choir Boy and an assistant Technical Director on Cadillac Crew at Yale Rep. At the Yale School of Drama he was the Technical Director for Fun Home. Dominick worked as a Draftsperson at blackwalnut and Montclair State University. He has worked with companies including McCarter Theatre Company, HERE! Arts Center, MSNBC and MLB. He holds a MFA in Technical Design and Production from the Yale School of Drama and a BFA from Montclair State University.
MICHAEL FLING (Associate Artistic Director) just celebrated his fifth anniversary at Goodspeed where he oversees Goodspeed’s extensive New Works initiatives including the Festival of New Musicals, Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove, and the GoodWorks Commissioning Program. As Director: The Great Emu War, Shakin’ The Blues Away (Goodspeed); Shrek the Musical, Mary Poppins (Craft Productions of Oklahoma); My Fair Lady, Legally Blonde the Musical, Spring Awakening, Assassins (Hartt); West Side Story (Abilene Opera); Honk! (Webster). As an Associate: Fun Home, Next To Normal (Theaterworks Hartford); Oslo, Evita, Follies, A Christmas Carol (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis); Rags, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Goodspeed Musicals); Guys & Dolls, 1776, Paint Your Wagon, Gypsy, Jersey Boys, The Wiz, The Music Man, Oklahoma!, Into the Woods, Holiday Inn, Hello, Dolly!, Seussical, Billy Elliot (The Muny). Michael also hosts the popular musical theatre podcast Know the Show and holds a degree in Directing from The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University.
GRETCHEN WRIGHT (General Manager) has held management and leadership positions at Alliance Theater (Atlanta), Yale Repertory Theatre, and Westport Country Playhouse. She obtained an MFA in Theater Management along with an MBA from Yale University, and a BA in English and Theater Studies from Duke University. Originally from San Diego, she began her arts career as a modern dancer, choreographer, and freelance director.
MICHAEL P. PRICE (Founding Director) Under the direction of Michael Price for 47 years commencing in 1968, Goodspeed Musicals became internationally recognized for its dedication to the advancement and preservation of the American Musical. For Goodspeed, Mr. Price produced over 250 classic and forgotten musicals, 100 new musicals, and transferred 19 shows to Broadway, earning 13 Tony Awards. Goodspeed itself was honored with two special Tony Awards. Mr. Price was recently inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame, which honors lifetime achievement in the American theater. Mr. Price is the founder of the League of Historic
American Theatres and a founding member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. He serves on the Executive Committee of the American Theatre Wing and as a member the Tony Administration Committee. His board memberships include the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Johnny Mercer Foundation, the ASCAP Foundation, and numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. He received his BA from Michigan State University, MA from Minnesota, MFA from Yale, and holds honorary doctorates from Wesleyan University, Connecticut College, and The University of Hartford. He is married to Jo-Ann Nevas Price; they are the proud grandparents of Ezra and Ari.
DONNA LYNN HILTON (Artistic Director) [she/her] with Goodspeed since 1988 and in her 4th season as Artistic Director, Donna Lynn is a highly-effective creative producer with a significant record of leading, developing and producing new musical theatre works as well as inspiring a re-envisioning of the canon. She led the creation of many of Goodspeed’s most successful productions of recent years, including last season’s Summer Stock, 2022’s 42nd Street and the 2014 world premiere of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. She inspired the creation of Goodspeed’s critically-acclaimed production of Show Boat and brought to The Goodspeed the new musicals The 12, Anne of Green Gables, Because of Winn Dixie, and this season’s Maggie. At The Terris Theatre, she has led the early development of many new musicals, among them Private Jones and Passing Through. Donna Lynn led the creation of The Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove, the partnership with The Johnny Mercer Foundation which has welcomed over 400 musical theatre composers, lyricists and librettists to Goodspeed’s campus in winter for one of the premiere development opportunities available to emerging musical theatre writers. With the development of Hi, My Name Is Ben, she led Goodspeed’s first collaboration with a resident theatre outside the US—Scotland’s Dundee Rep Theatre—and recently helped re-envision The Writers Grove for Scottish,
UK and Indian writers on the campus at Cove Park, in Scotland. Through Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals she hosted the first US development of the international hit Come From Away. Donna Lynn is a past-president of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre; serves as a Trustee for Dundee Rep Theatre/Scottish Dance Ensemble and, closer to home, CT Landmarks. Donna Lynn began her career as a stage manager of Musical Theatre and Opera and remains a proud member of Actors Equity Association. She and her husband, Sound Designer Jay Hilton, make their home in Hadlyme with Cookie and Macy.
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers in the US. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theater as an essential component of our society.
Sets, costumes, and props are designed especially for The Goodspeed and are built in Goodspeed Musicals’ shops.
Goodspeed Musicals is a professional theatre operating under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Goodspeed Musicals is a member of The League of Resident Theatres.
The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.
GOODSPEED’S MISSION STATEMENT
Goodspeed Musicals’ mission 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.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The land on which Goodspeed Musicals is located in East Haddam and Chester, CT is the ancestral land of at least three tribes of Native Americans—the Wangunk, the Mohegan and the Nehantic tribes. We understand that the land which is now Haddam and East Haddam, was purchased from the native people in 1662 for thirty coats—worth about $100. We acknowledge those native Americans and the loss of their homeland—land on which we thrive today.
Now Playing at The Goodspeed
“A
delightful, deeply moving new musical.”
— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant
“Dwyer’s performance in the title role is truly a stand-out.”
— Mark G. Auerbach, Bershire On Stage
“Broadway ready... dazzles and excites through song, drama, dashes of comedy, and top-tier performance.”
— Fred Sokol, Talkin’ Broadway
A Scottish mother’s unbreakable love for her three sons is tested in an inspirational new musical about family bonds and changing times. After suffering the unthinkable loss of her husband, Maggie must rely on her strength, sense of humor and fiercely loyal friends to protect her family from a harsh world. Spanning over 20 years, a hardscrabble working class life blossoms with a soul-stirring pop-folk score. A generation of courageous mothers is celebrated in this rousing U.S. premiere.
Age Rating: PG-13 Strong language, violence, death
The cast of Goodspeed’s Maggie
Sam Primack, Jeffrey Kringer, Christine Dwyer, and Wes Williams. Jeffrey Kringer and Christine Dwyer. Christine Dwyer and the cast of Goodspeed’s Maggie
Photos by Diane Sobolewski.
WRITERS’ NOTES BY JOHNNY McKNIGHT, LAURA WILDE,
Making a show is the same as creating a song—it starts with an introduction.
Ours was via email, straight to my inbox, from Laura and Kyle. We’d never met, but a mutual friend suggested we should, with a view to working together. They were interested to see if we could find a way to create a musical based on Kyle’s album No Love Songs For Laura
Immediately I was interested. Kyle wrote an album, and it’s called No Love Songs… for Laura? His partner? Curiosity piqued alongside practically. I knew if we were going down the route of making a musical together then we had to make sure we worked with someone who knows how to harness all that energy and drive into something brilliant— someone like Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep. (it was a no brainer given that Kyle and Laura lived in Dundee: a new piece of work for their fantastic hometown theatre!). Like all good songs, we needed the band who would give that song a beat: Director Tashi, Music Director Gavin, and our magnificent, creative and brave actors. So, we have the band… what do we play?
AND KYLE FALCONER
That first day was terrifying.
A variety of mismatched instruments gathered in a room, playing badly and out of time. Eventually, a clear melody started to emerge.
The show had to be based on Kyle and Laura. Just like the album is. It’s their story.
The first verse wrote itself, easy. Two strangers in a city, locking eyes in a club, feet planted on its sticky carpet as they move in for a first kiss. And then we hit the chorus. Falling in love. Moving in together.
Building a family together. Euphoric. A song familiar and hopeful moving towards the inevitable happy ever after part.
But for us, our song, that’s less than a minute… that’s not satisfying enough. We still need a few other verses, a middle eight. We’re nowhere close to the outro.
But what happens next? Because in the romcom we don’t ever find out. Reality is different from the well-worn love story. What was our verse two?
We had an exploratory workshop where we got into the room to find (still sticking with the song metaphor) the lyrics and the drive of the song.
In Laura and Kyle’s case it was profound. Building a family came with a hefty price. Post-natal depression. A taboo area even now given the shocking statistic that it affects 1 in 5 new mums (and 1 in 10 new dads). Our media, films, our
KYLE FALCONER (Songs)
LAURA WILDE (Book)
JOHNNY McKNIGHT (Book)
musicals, they roll the credits before we ever get to see that part of the story. None of them give us the sheet music to show us as to how that bass line plays out.
It felt like a familiar song that nobody dare sing in public. But Kyle had given it a voice. Literally, on his album. We had to be brave enough to do the same.
When Laura spoke of her experience first-hand, in such a rich and evocative way, it became clear to us that we had to tell this story. We had to take the song into unexpected territory, break the traditional radio format. We had to make it a song that changes and grows; a song that allows its melody to move from toe-tapping and pleasing to something unexpected, and yet utterly relatable.
And so we did. We made a song to be shared at the Edinburgh Fringe, Dundee, Glasgow, London, Edinburgh. A song that brought people to their feet, because they’d waited to hear it, waited to hear that melody. And tonight, we have the great privilege to bring it to you.
The intention was to make a show that told the truth. That showed humour even in the bleakest of times. That believed in love, but recognised the work that has to go into it. But most importantly, we wanted to make a show about hope. To tell audiences that things will get better. Darkness does become light. And love songs do get written… especially for Laura.
We hope you enjoy the show. Johnny, Laura & Kyle.
Helpful Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Dial 988 or 1-800-273-(TALK). It's free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Hartford Healthcare Peripartum Mood Disorders Program: Dial (860) 545-7104.
You can access more information on postpartum mental health and suicide help by scanning the QR code or visiting goodspeed.org/helpful-resources.
THE GOODSPEEED OPERA HOUSE FOUNDATION
2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
Hila Rosen, President
Jef Wolter, Chairman (Past President)
Jeffrey Hoffman, First Vice President
Anthony Cacace, Vice President
Meg Sakellarides, Treasurer
Jennifer Brown, Secretary
Gov. Ned Lamont, Ex Officio Honorary Chairman
Emeritus Trustees
J. Robert Buchanan
Kay Knight Clarke
Chandler Howard
Lynde Selden Karin
Francis G. Adams, Jr.
Michael Arseneault
Frank Campbell
Carolyn Rossi Copeland
Christopher Dodd
Jim Duncan
Anne Evans
Marlene Ferreira
Muriel Fleischmann
Sue Frost
Jean Selden Greene
Steven Hernandez
Mary Ellen Klinck
Julie Godbout LeBlanc
Lawrence McHugh
GOODSPEED GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amy Campbell, President
Meg Wright, Vice President
Ann Houston
Susan Link
Gavin Lodge
Mark Masselli
Kristen Roberts
Dr. Anne Rothstein
Blair Russell
Karen Sherry
Joseph Smith
Leonardo H. Suzio
John Voege
Michael P. Price
H. William Shure
Dona D. Young
Alan Wasserman, Corresponding & Recording Secretary C. William Stamm, Treasurer
GOODSPEED GUILD: The Goodspeed Guild is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Goodspeed Musicals’ operations and productions. Since 1975 it has provided services to artists, patrons, and staff on a year-round basis, while offering its members the opportunity to become part of the behind-the scenes activities at Goodspeed. To find out about volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and schedule, visit our website at goodspeed.org or contact Amy Campbell at 203-443-3338.
CORPORATE SUPPORT
Ally Charter Bus
American Association of University Women
Anonymous (2)
Ashlawn Farm Store, LLC
Barb and Cliff Libby
Broadway Licensing Global
Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation
Concord Theatricals
ConnectiCare
Essex Financial
Essex Savings Bank
Eversource Energy
F & F Distributors, Inc.
Hoffman Auto Group
Liberty Bank
Lynch Toyota
Masonicare
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
R.A. Parady & Sons, Inc.
Sennheiser Electronic Corporation
Sky Investment Group
Starkweather & Shepley
Insurance Brokerage, Inc.
Straighten Your Crown
The Riverhouse at Goodspeed
Station
The Shops at Mohegan Sun
The Suzio York Hill Companies
United Airlines
Webster Bank
FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Actors’ Equity Foundation
Anonymous
Burry Fredrik Foundation
Case Graber Foundation
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation
Chelsea Groton Foundation Inc.
Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Community Foundation of Middlesex County Community Foundation of Middlesex County - Marilyn C. Fall Fund
Dominion Energy - Millstone
Elizabeth Carse Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Fechtor Family Foundation Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee
Government Support
George H. and Constance Wolcott Mason Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Hebron Lions Charities, Inc.
Howard Gilman Foundation
Ion Bank Foundation
Jana Foundation, Inc.
Katharine S. Winter Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Laurence S. Weiss and Edith G. Weiss Foundation
Lucille Lortel Foundation
Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Rodgers and Hammerstein Foundation
SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Sorenson-Pearson Family Foundation, Inc.
Stocker Foundation
The Aeroflex Foundation
The Aldo DeDominicis Foundation
The Christine E. Moser Foundation
The Elizabeth M. Landon and Harriette M. Landon
Charitable Foundation
The Howard and Katherine Aibel Foundation, Inc.
The Johnny Mercer Foundation
The Kitchings Family Foundation
The Lambs Foundation
The Max Showalter Foundation, Inc.
The Norma Terris/Albert D. Firestone Foundation
The Richard Sims Winkler Foundation
The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts
The Shubert Foundation
William and Alice Mortensen Foundation
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE—LEAVING A LEGACY
Since its inception, Goodspeed Musicals has particularly benefited from the unique advantages of planned gifts and bequests. Because such gifts provide financial support over time, they have been essential to Goodspeed Musicals’ ability to consistently move from strength to strength, plan for the future with confidence, and ensure millions more will enjoy award-winning productions for generations to come.
WILLIAM H. GOODSPEED LEGACY SOCIETY
Goodspeed Musicals thanks the members of the William H. Goodspeed Society who have included a future bequest to Goodspeed Musicals in their wills or estate plans.
Anonymous (11)
Dolores L. Andrew
Fran Armstrong
Mrs. Alice C. Belden
Anne Sullivan Calanquin
Frank and Amy Campbell
Bertie Chuong
Don Church and Tony Schillaci
Dr. Amy L. Crockett
Rochelle Dauenheimer
Charles and Ellen Ericson
Anne S. Evans
Muriel and Karl Fleischmann
Lea and Richard Goodman
Mrs. Harry J. Gray
A. Nicholas Groth, Ph.D.
Mr. Andrew Isen
Lynde and Michael Karin
Nancy Kline and James Trail
Nancy Kobylarz
Dick and Hazel Koszyca
Karl Henry Kulisch
Mrs. Salvatore Marzano
Andrew and Bonnie McKirdy
Mary Miko
Lynne and Leslie Nathan
Robert Nelson
Jane E. Ondovcsik
Barbara A. Petersen
Barbara Pomarico
Michael and Jo-Ann Price
James Pyne and Marlene Tompkins
Mary Jane Richilson
Dr. Anne L. Rothstein and Ms. Jane Hellman
Charlotte Sandler
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Sevitch
David Shimchick
Ms. Carol Sirot
Dr. and Mrs. David Snyderman
Donna and Bill Stamm
Carl Thompson
Sheila Louise Tomlinson-Earl
Mark and Roberta Velez
Linda Wanosky
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE—LEAVING A LEGACY
BEQUESTS
Goodspeed Musicals fondly remembers those who left a bequest or in whose honor a memorial fund was established. Their love of musical theatre and our institution is an example to us all.
Carol H. Adams
The Milon Barnes Memorial Fund
Cynthia Kellogg Barrington
Michele Trudel Baumann
David A. Belden
Leonard N. Blake
William C. Blatchley
Virginia Bodin
Julie Ann Buchanan
Leon Hugh Calanquin
Paul Campagna
Edward and Ruth Cape
Edward and Sally Carrier
Dr. Jack Chuong
Timothy J. Clutter
Gordon Cobleigh
Stephen B. Crowley, III
Ralph Davidson
Fellner Family Foundation
Albert D. Firestone
Dr. and Mrs. Brendan Fox
Burry Fredrik
Norwick and Elizabeth Goodspeed
Henry Sage Goodwin Memorial Fund
Judith Halevi
The Edith O. Haynes Trust
Martha C. Hinkel
Thomas W. Holton Memorial Fund
John Hughes
Christine N. Hunihan
Marjorie W. Jolidon
Robert D. Jones
Harvey and Ruth Katz
The Adrienne I. Koch Revocable Trust
William J. Kotchen Memorial Fund
Helen Krieble
Dolores F. Lammers-Padwater
Angela Lepore
Dorothy Liepertz
Joanne M. MacDonald
Evan S. McCord
Constance Wolcott Mason
Alice Hammerstein Mathias
Henry “Buzz” Merritt
Peter J. Musto
Robert F. Neal
Carolyn G. Nelson
NAMED FUNDS AND ENDOWMENTS
Edith L. Nyman
Muriel Selden Paris
Miriam Perrin
Miriam Williams Ragsdale
Rochelle Richilson
Salli G. Riege
Barbara V. Ross
Bertha L. Rottmann
Edward Rousseau
Dr. Gerald Sandler
Marco S. Savona
Susan Scherer
Richard Schneller
Lucille Lortel Schweitzer
Joan H. Scranton
Martha Shattuck
Jerome and Marian Silverstein
John F. Single, III
Edward and Mary Sargent Swift
Mark A. Wainger
Natalie Tenney
Jessica Waldman Thompson
Jerold Wanosky
Christopher Weed
Katherine S. Winter
Symond Yavener
These funds and endowments listed below were established during lifetime, by bequest, or in memoriam with an outright gift to Goodspeed Musicals.*
The Dr. & Mrs. Harold D. Bornstein, Jr. Memorial Fund
The Dr. Harold D. Bornstein, Jr. Charitable Memorial Fund
The Frederick A. & Justine Millspaugh Catlin Family Fund
The Rochelle Dauenheimer Charitable Gift Annuity*
The Arthur & Elizabeth Godbout Fund for the Support of the Music Department
The George S. & Charmian A. Goodspeed Memorial Fund
The A. Nicholas Groth, Ph.D. Charitable Gift Annuity*
The Nancy Kline and James Trail Charitable Gift Annuities*
The Charles R. Lindberg Family Fund
The Lucille Lortel Fund
The Maryann & Jane E. Ondovcsik Fund for the Preservation of the Victorian Goodspeed Opera House
The Salvatore Marzano, Jr. Endowment in Support of the Music Department
The Elaine McKirdy Endowment for Career Development in Theatre
The Michael P. Price Endowment Fund at Goodspeed Musicals
The Charlotte & Gerald Sandler Educational Endowment
The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre Fund
The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre
The Jerome & Marian Silverstein Endowment Fund
The Carol L. Sirot Family Endowment Fund
The C. William Stamm Charitable Gift Annuity*
The Ashton M. Tenney, Jr. Memorial Fund
The Jessica Waldman Thompson Endowment in Support of The Festival of New Musicals
The Zachs Family Endowment
*The donors receive a tax advantaged income stream during their lives and a named fund or endowment will be created when the annuity reverts to Goodspeed Musicals.
GOODSPEED MEMBERS
Thank you, Goodspeed Members! Goodspeed is over 4,000 members strong—for a complete listing, please visit goodspeed.org or scan the QR code with your phone. +With special thanks to our members who have been with us 40+ years
*Members whose gifts have been matched by their employer
Donors listed here have given direct membership gifts as well as additional donations between August 9, 2023 and September 9, 2024.
MARQUEE MEMBERS
($25,000+)
Anonymous (2)
Frank and Amy Campbell+
Herb Chambers
Hila and Saul Rosen
Dr. Anne L. Rothstein and Ms. Jane Hellman
Mrs. Frances Seymour+
Mable and Richard Seymour
($10,000 - $24,999)
Dr. Sandra Anagnostakis
Anonymous
Beverly Buckner Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Cacace
Richard T. Cersosimo and Valerie J. Koif+
Lance and Rebecca Darcy
Day Family Foundation
($7,500 - $9,999)
Joyce and Greg Barabas
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Coviello
William J. Ginnetti, Sr.
Michael and Jo-Ann Price+
DIRECTOR’S
Francis G. Adams, Jr.
Judith W. Adams
Laura and Jim Duncan
Fiona A. Egan
Jennifer Friedland
Susan F. Gonsalves
Ms. Jean Selden Greene
Jeffrey Hoffman
Ann and John Houston
Julie and Peter LeBlanc
Meg Sakellarides and Scott Mokoski
Leonardo H. Suzio
Russell Tait and Lee Anderson
CIRCLE MEMBERS ($2,500 - $7,499)
Marleen and Kenneth Alhadeff
Dolores L. Andrew+ Anonymous (9)
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Arborio
Fran Armstrong
Mr. Michael Arseneault*
Susan and Bruce Baiter
Dr. and Mrs. John V. Banta+
Dr. and Mrs. Ellison Berns
Bruce Betancourt and Steven Hernandez
Jordan and Rebecca Boss
Kenneth and Judith Boudreau
Andre and Maureen Brouillard+
Jennifer Brown and Ian Ayres
Scott and Robin Chasse
Kay Knight Clarke
Maury and Sonia Cohn Foundation+
Ruth Ann C. Davis+
Betsy and Rich Didan
Wilma C. Donaldson+
Mary Jane Dunn
Judith Duran+
Eileen and Helen Ede
Bill and Denice Feeley
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Feldman
Marlene and Paulo Ferreira*
David and Patricia Fisher+
Muriel and Karl Fleischmann
Lynne and Richard Fletcher
Chuck and Elena Foster
Sue Frost and Dan Renn
Ms. Mary Gaskell
Maureen and Bernie Gillis
Bill Gilman
The Harry E. Goldfarb Family Foundation+
Laura and Roger Goodspeed+
Karen and Ron Goodspeed
Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Gossner
William Gratz and James Bruno
Pamela and John Griffin
Ron and Nina Harris
Sylvia and Dennis Heffley
Constance Henshaw
Barbara and Gerald Hess
Patricia A. Holmes
Thirza D. Hyatt+
Michael and Linda Jainchill
Penfield and Teresa Jarvis
Sue Joffray
Peter and Linda Jokl and Elisabeth D’Albero
Elizabeth Gianesello Judd
Frank and Diane Kelly
Robbie and Albert Kestnbaum
Nancy Kline and James Trail
Catherine Ladnier and Mickey Robinson
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Link
Peter and Rosemary Lombardo
Peter Luchini
Emanuel and Irene Makiaris
Jennifer Alexander and Mark Masselli
Stephen Selden Mathews
Tony, Chelsea and Amanda Michaud
View full Member List
Jeff Riley and Mary M. Wilson
Ms. Carol Sirot
John Voege and Geoffrey Paul
RADM. Louise C. Wilmot USN (Ret.) and James E. Wilmot+
Ami Montstream
Thomas and Pamela Moriarty
Regina M. Neal
Eric Ort and Duff Ashmead
Sandra R. Pereira
Matt Peterson*
Rolf C. Peterson
Annella C. Preble+
James Pyne and Marlene Tompkins
Nancy J. Ramseyer
Pamela and Dean Richlin
Mitchell P and Lorraine Rochefort
Jennifer Serra and Wayne Schulz
Thomas Schwenke/Schwenke Auctioneers
Alicia and Thomas Settle
Millie and Marty Shapiro+
James and Penelope Sherrard
David Shimchick
Roz and Peter Shoemaker
Ms. Sally Speer
Donna and Bill Stamm
Brenda J. Sullivan+
Judy B. Taylor
Donald and Sharyn Timmerman
Carol A. Wiggins+
Carlisle Wildeman
Jean M. Wiseman
Jef and Kate Wolter
Suzanne E. Zajac and Cliff A. Birdsey
Arthur Zieky and Bill Witkowsky
GOODSPEED MUSICALS STAFF
LEADERSHIP
Donna Lynn Hilton ................................................. Artistic Director
ARTISTIC
Michael Fling
Associate Artistic Director
Adam Souza Resident Music Director
Chris Zaccardi Resident Production Stage Manager ADMINISTRATION
Gretchen Wright General Manager
Matthew Sonnenfeld ............................ Interim General Manager
Kristan McLaughlin ......................................Artistic Administrator
BUILDING SERVICES
Edward C. Blaschik Theatre Manager
Hayden Schwarm .............................. Building Services Assistant
Jeffrey Gosselin, Paul Zajac............................... Building Services East Coast Cleaning Custodial Services
COMPANY MANAGEMENT
Tyler Garstka Company Manager
Lauren Wentz Assistant Company Manager
Hannah Stein Company Management Associate
DEVELOPMENT
Frank Stilwagner .................................... Director of Development
Mary Miko ................................................ Individual Giving Officer
Sophia Voglino Event & Corporate Relations Manager
Rebekah Moses Membership & Annual Fund Manager
Yz Jasa Development & Membership Assistant/ Friends Coordinator
Lori A. Cartwright Database Administrator
Diana Silver Grant Strategies, LLC Grants Management
EDUCATION
Nick Palazzo Education & Engagement Manager
FINANCE
Tracey Krasniewski Director of Finance
Stacy Booth Accounts Payable Manager
Sandy Hall Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
Withum, Karen Kowgios Accountants
HOUSE MANAGEMENT
Kathy Raczka Supervising House Manager
Leigh Beatty, Beryl W. Thorpe,
Kathleen Sedgwick, Tammie Sinabaldi House Managers
Allison Harris, Kathryn Lees Assistant House Managers
Janet Beer, Bob Bennett, Joe Kaminski, Paula Moriarty, Erik Palen, Leah Smirnow, Sydney Smirnow Bartenders
Judy O’Mara .................................................. Gift Shop Supervisor
MARKETING
Dan McMahon ............................................. Director of Marketing
Katherine Desjardins ..................... Associate Marketing Director
Ian Galligan Marketing Associate
Carol Giroux Public Relations Manager
Sarah Kayser Marketing/Graphics Assistant
Diane Sobolewski Official Photographer
TECHNOLOGY
JKS Systems Systems Administrator
TICKETING
Lauren Blankenship Box Office Manager
Catherine Ematrudo Group Sales Manager
Morgan Dumark-McNamee Box Office Performance Supervisor
Wayne Rollins, Greg Wojcik Box Office Supervisors on Duty
Liam Welsh Member Services Associate
Smart, Strategic Marketing for the Arts Direct Sales
Photini Constantinou, Nicki Cuneo, Lori Inferrera, Kathryn Lees, Jenna LeMontagne, Deborah Winchell, Destiny Whitten, Cecilia Zvonkovic Box Office Reps
PRODUCTION
Endla Burrows Director of Production
Dominick Pinto Production Manager
Myjoycia Cezar,
Shawna Martine Production Management Assistants
COSTUME RENTALS
Stephanie Turner Costume Rentals Coordinator
Cassandra Greeley, Raechel Johnsky Costume Rentals Assistants
COSTUMES
Tiffany Delligatti Costume Shop Manager
Erin Stumm, Alex Zeek Drapers
Jaysen Engel, Ella Moffly First Hands
Olivya DeLuca, Danielle Robinson .................................. Stitchers
Lydia Chamberlain .............. Terris Theatre Wardrobe Supervisor
John Riccucci .................... The Goodspeed Wardrobe Supervisor
Bailey Donovan, Sydney Hughes, Rachel Pantangan The Goodspeed Dressers
Mia Thomas The Goodspeed Lead Wig & Hair Stylist
Chris Mermon The Goodspeed Wig & Hair Stylist
Christa Steiner The Goodspeed Wigs/Wardrobe Swing
LIGHTING
Chris Lubik Lighting Supervisor
Sam O’Dea Terris Theatre Head Electrician
Audrey Visscher Terris Theatre Board Op
Alex Benos Terris Theatre Electrician
Karan Gosai The Goodspeed Head Electrician
Margaret Leupold The Goodspeed Electrician
PROPS
Ryann D. Lee Props Manager
Troy A. Junker Lead Props Artisan
Jordan Cowan, Gideon Rowland Props Artisans
Miranda Thompson The Goodspeed Props Run Crew Head
Samantha Bruce The Goodspeed Props Run Crew
SCENERY
Dominick Pinto Technical Director
Dennis J. Riley Shop Foreman
Gabby Galvan, Nicholas Jones, Joshua Murphy Staff Carpenters
Ethan Arcaroli, Nathaniel Kerr Carpenter/Stagehand Swings
Lydia Joy The Goodspeed Stage Supervisor
Ian Borowik Terris Theatre Stagehand
Ann Aldrich, Ashlin Penn The Goodspeed Stagehands
SCENIC ARTISTS
Carla Tiezzi Charge Scenic Artist
Miranda Harkins Lead Scenic Artist
April Chateauneuf Senior Staff Scenic Artist
Ashley Donnert, Grace Linzner Staff Scenic Artists
SOUND
Jay Hilton Audio Supervisor
Nicholas Peretti Terris Theatre Production Audio Engineer
Nick Moran Terris Theatre Assistant Audio Engineer
Katie Paris The Goodspeed Production Audio Engineer
Tesla M. Lowrey The Goodspeed Assistant Audio Engineer
E. Wilson The Goodspeed Audio Assistant
FOR THIS PRODUCTION
Joey Monda, Greg Kamp General Management
James Carter Pianos Piano Technician
Sarah Kayser Program Editor/Designer
Grace Linzner The Elaine McKirdy Production Technician
Special Thanks: Costume Rental Volunteer Lenore McLean
Program printed by Essex Printing
Live active and inspired, embrace a new melody, and stay in tune with the local culture It’s all waiting for you at Essex Meadows.
D o nn a , Re sid e nt Sin ce 201 2