13th Annual Festival of New Musicals – Goodspeed | January 12 – 14

Every musical got its start somewhere—for many, it was at Goodspeed. Don’t miss your chance to see the next big hit at Goodspeed’s Thirteenth Annual Festival of New Musicals. Hundreds of musical theatre lovers will gather on the Goodspeed campus for staged readings of brand new works as the brightest new writers and performers collaborate to create the future of America’s greatest art form. It’s something different…come join us!

STAGED READINGS

FIVE POINTS

Friday, January 12, 7:30 PM

Music by Ethan Pakchar and Douglas Lyons
Lyrics by Douglas Lyons
Book by Harrison David Rivers

New York City. 1863. Set amidst the tumult of the Civil War, Five Points chronicles the journeys of two men – Willie Lane, a young black performer at the famed Almack’s Dance Hall, and John Diamond, an Irish immigrant and former jig champion – as they risk everything in pursuit of the American Dream.

SWEETWATER

Saturday, January 13, 7:30 PM

Music by Sean Mahoney
Book & Lyrics by Patricia Noonan

As World War II shakes the nation, sisters Beth and Frankie join women from across America to fly for the US Army. Leaving home to train in Sweetwater, TX, these Women Airforce Service Pilots risk their lives without military status. From history’s margins, Sweetwater brings the WASP center stage in an epic story about the joys and costs of being female pioneers.

PASSING THROUGH

Sunday, January 14, 1:00 PM

Music & Lyrics by Brett Ryback
Book by Eric Ulloa
Based on the work “Walking to Listen” by Andrew Forsthoefel

Passing Through tells the incredible true story of a young man who journeys on foot from Pennsylvania to California, collecting stories as he goes. When his trek brings to light a repressed family trauma, he must use the lessons he’s gathered to confront his past. Set against the backdrop of America, it’s a musical about community and the healing power of forgiveness.

Website

Goodspeed Opera House | 6 Main Street East, Haddam, CT