It's hard to find something original to say about the beloved Goodspeed Opera House. Nestled between Main Street and the Connecticut river, this beautiful building has been operating as a musical theater since 1963. We have been very lucky to have had many talented singers and actors light up the stage. I love to visit the area in the spring and summer, just so that we can see the river, visit Goodspeed's Station Country Store (over the bridge) and Gillette Castle (10 min away). On this visit on November 23rd, we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday with dinner next door at the Gelston House and one of my favorite Christmas musical movies, White Christmas. The production was beautiful and everyone in our group enjoyed it. If you've never been here, you will want to get here early for the best parking. We arrived around 4:30 and were behind Goodspeed and Gelston and were only able to find parking toward the very back. It is quite the walk for people with leg or feet issues. It's best to drop these people off at the doors before finding a parking spot. Our tickets were at will call, which can be found on either side of the grand staircase. Before they allow you to your seats you can go to the back of the building where you will find a bar, restrooms and a concession stand that also sells a few keepsakes (hats, ornaments, etc). Being sensitive to people with mobility issues, I would again suggest getting floor seats as the orchestra is many flights up and the low ceiling and narrow aisles makes it hard for many to maneuver. The acoustics are wonderful, so even if you get a seat with a slightly obstructed view, you won't miss any part of the show. If you are buying tickets as a gift or just for yourself, you will be happy to know that you are supporting the arts and keeping this beautiful location around for others to enjoy. read more

This old world theatre is beautiful! The decor is beautiful! All of the staff was helpful and so enthusiastic when they heard it was our first time there. We saw the show " RAGTIME"- an amazing cast- beautiful actors and their voices unbelievable! It was also great that we could see an actor that we have known from west Hartford. Joseph Fierberg! My only complaint is that the walk is long back to the parking lot behind the Gelstan House and the Good peed needs to add more lighting on the long stethoscope... read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Goodspeed - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

Came on a Thursday night to see "A Chorus Line" There is no intermission. The show was EXCELLENT! The woman in front who gave us a tour was very sweet. So was the concessions stand lady and the bartenders. read more

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Thank you Goodspeed for the improvements you have made with the ramp and automatic doors at the entrance of the theater. A great job for those of us that need those benefits. Attended Jesus Christ Superstar last night and the performance was impeccable. Incredible cast, amazing voices, and the choreography was fantastic. There aren't enough words to describe how great the show was. Thank you for bringing this production to the theater. read more

I was so honored to be able to finally get to see a musical at the Goodspeed Opera House tonight for Maggie the Musical. A friend of mine found out that the library in town gives tickets out seniors if you request them and I got to go with her. Maggie has been running since August 23rd and next week is the last week October 20th. If you haven't gotten a chance to see it it's definitely worth seeing. It's inspired by the true story of the power of the mother's love in the face of adversity. It is a celebration of the good that lives in all of us, and a reminder of the power of family and friendship. It's a great story of a single mother of three boys raising them in the year of 1968 in the mining town of Lanark, Scotland read more

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I went to see A Chorus Line at the Goodspeed. The ushers and personnel were very kind and welcoming to the theatre production. They seated me. The cast was top notch with amazing voices and character. The musical score was lovely. It's as good as what I've seen on Broadway in NY C. I definitely would go again. It's 2 hrs and no intermissions and will keep you dancing in your seats. read more

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Very disappointed. We buy tickets to at least three shows each summer and have done this for many years. We needed to change our seats to the day before due to a scheduling conflict. We were denied this option even though there are plenty of seats available unless we want to pay a $60 charge . We are patrons of many theaters and have never had this problem. This is really not the way to encourage people to come to this theater. read more

Although I've passed by (and photographed) the Goodspeed Opera House many times before, I had never been inside until last night! I decided to go see A Christmas Story: The Musical, which is playing now until December 29th. I'm not really into plays and musicals, but this whole production was absolutely outstanding! Let's start off with the Goodspeed itself... the building is historic, built in 1876, and so walking inside you almost feel like you're going back in time! The theater is actually on the top two floors of the building, so once you walk inside, there is a grand red-carpeted staircase that you need to walk up, and then a second staircase that brings you to the orchestra-level seating. You can also take the elevator. For the balcony seating, you will have to climb a third set of stairs, and there is no elevator access for the balcony. Once I got into the theater, I was surprised at how small and intimate it was, both the seating and the stage. Now because this is an old building, the seats are tight and very close together (if you're claustrophobic, I'd recommend getting an aisle seat). The close seating didn't bother me though. The performance was an excellent adaptation of the movie A Christmas Story, and I was very impressed with the acting, singing, and dancing. The whole cast did an amazing job and are so talented! Back down on the first floor, you'll find the box office, bathrooms, snack bar/gift shop, and the bar. There's also a little back room with tables where you can sit and hang out. Again because this is an old building, the hallways are small and narrow, but it's to be expected with a building constructed almost 150 years ago. The snack bar has candy, pretzels, etc. as well as some small gift items, like hats, mugs, etc. The bar had a Christmas themed specialty drink menu, and all drinks can be poured into small plastic cups with lids that you can take into the theater. My only knock is that there are only a couple single-person bathrooms for guest to use as far as I saw, so there was always a line to use them. The parking lot is a short distance away, behind the Gelston House (a restaurant next door to the theater). There is a wooden bridge/path that you can walk to get to the theater. Last note, I was very impressed with how many staff members they had working to greet you, answer questions, and direct everyone where to go. And they were all very friendly! Overall, the Goodspeed Opera House is a really cool piece of CT history, and I would highly recommend going to see A Christmas Story or any other future productions! read more

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My wife and I went last Saturday to enjoy "All Shook Up". This location is absolutely beautiful. You'll be surprised by how many people will fit inside considering it is not as big as other theatres such as the Bushnell. However, the smaller size provides a wonderful intimate viewing experience and allows for excellent acoustics. The staff were extremely nice, even in the gift shop while we were taking our time trying to figure out what we wanted to buy. Not only was the show amazing but the history of this location and the restaurant next door make it perfect for date night. read more

My wife and I have gone several times and always had a great time. This time we saw chorus line. Awesome. My wife saw the original on Broadway and said this production was pretty close to the New York show. The whole production was great. It was crazy how they had the orchestra in a totally different room but sound like if they were in the main theater. Staff were attentive and friendly. The Opera house is always looking good . Hope to see white christmas next. read more

What a lovely time we had at Goodspeed! My parents surprised me with a ticket to Christmas in Connecticut when I got off the plane yesterday. We came to the matinee, which was packed! The show itself was beyond phenomenal. Everyone who worked here was so sweet and helpful. The bar has reasonably priced cocktails (named after cocktails from the show--cute!), and very inexpensive (and delicious) coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The opera house itself is charming and very well kept up, nestled on the Connecticut River. It's so beautiful. I can't wait to come back for another show! read more

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This was my second time seeing a show at Goodspeed - amazing experiences both times- seeing a matinee was so much fun because you can really enjoy the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a drink on their porch by the bar. We saw The Mystery of Edwin Drood which was outstanding - can't wait to return for more shows in the future!! read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

Great place for regional theatre in this historic place. Free parking, but not to much in the way of dining options near the theatre. read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Exterior - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

We've been here twice and it's magical! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Great bartenders and the Opera House is so quaint and amazing! We plan to get here a couple times a year. Just a fabulous setting and a fun time overall! If you haven't been here make it a point to check it out! read more

Went to see the show Gypsie it was fantastic. The lady that played Rose was amazing. I am as sad to see it ended. I really do enjoy coming here and they always have a cute cocktail for the play. I got the Madam Rose. It was pretty good. If you have never checked out a play here you are really missing out in 1st class theater. All the actors and actresses were very good. read more

Great spot in Haddam to see well orchestrated theatre performances. Relatively inexpensive. Well appointed theatre. Lots of activities in the area. read more

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Great show, sweetest staff but I was so uncomfortable. The seats are tiny and you are shoulder to shoulder, elbow to elbow with folks beside you. Worse than an airplane! And the bathroom situation is hairy at best. read more

This was our second visit as had been here a few years back. It's a very cute local performance venue and beautifully decorated in old style decor for the period of the building. The staff was helpful and gracious. They followed all COVID precautions, with all customers abiding by those as well. The performance was very sweet, a real pleasant way to spend a late autumn/pre-holiday day. Top notch talent that kept us entertained the whole time with wonderful toons, whimsical narratives and some interesting background stories. The only unfortunate situation was the small/tight seating. But other than that, they preformed splendidly and did a grand job of entertaining. Thank you one and all who made that possible! read more

Very good show, but the seating is horrible, packed like sardines. Difficult to enjoy a show when you are so uncomfortable and packed next to the folks next to you. They don't have near enough restrooms. never again. read more

Beautiful architecture, beautiful setting on the banks if the Connecticut River, great shows, good parking- what else could you ask for? Located just over the Swing Bridge in East Haddam, CT, this is a must go to place for anyone looking to enjoy some musical theater. Though maybe not on a par with such locales as Broadway, it certainly is a showcase for local talent as well as major star talent (see Peter Dinklage's appearances here in 2018). A must see! read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Goodspeed Opera House! - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

I do not know where to begin other than by saying... I wish this place was closer so I did not have to drive two hours to get here, but... It's well worth it! This place is a gem of a theatre to see a show. ABSOLUTELY, first class actors, actresses and music. If I wasn't limited to the number of stars I would definitely go 10. We have been coming back for 12 years and had an opportunity to see shows that we would never have a chance to see in NYC. Old or new, it's a great mixture of 1st class entertainment. Its beautiful theater in a beautiful setting on the river. Actually, very easy to get to and park. (Try that in NYC.) Some of the more memorable shows I have seen here include; Pippin, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Call me Madam, Mack and Mabel. The list goes on and on, three shows a year for the last 12 years. We just saw Bye Bye Birdie and were once again awed by the fabulous cast and performances Rater than go show by show, I strongly encourage you to visit the website and pay a visit to the Opera House. read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Great views. - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

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The Opera House is a very special historical Victorian building on the CT river. Mostly musicals of high quality are performed there.

Our family of 4 gets the season for the Goodspeed each year. It has been a family tradition to go to the Goodspeed and enjoy each production. And we do. We often are not excited to see the particular show there, but we go and we are most often surprised at how much we enjoy it. All shows are NYC Broadway quality. The scenes are exquisite. The pit band is always spot on, never missing a note. I have played in many pit bands, and it's not an easy job to jump between instruments and sound great. The acting and casting is always excellent. As for the shows, we certainly have had our favorites. Just saw Oliver last night and it was really great. I love that show so I enjoyed it much more than the previous show which was Will Rogers Follies. The Follies was much better than I expected as I learned about Will Rogers. However, the crowd is often older at these shows, as they have a loyal following with the older crowd. They have been taking a survey for a while now at the Goodspeed. Based on the survey, it appears they want to appeal to a younger crowd and bring in more folks before their customer base dies off! Why not try shows like Hairspray and Honk. Try Everybody's Talking about Jaime from London and be the first to show it. Bring in Warhorse. Start advertising with the local colleges on their radio station and try to get groups bus their kids here. The Goodspeed is a landmark and a gem. Check it out and you will not be disappointed. read more

Nice historic building, not good for shows. I just saw Billy Elliot here which was an awesome show. The venue however is the worst I think I have experienced. The seats are narrow and close together, there is also a long series of staircases to get into the main theater. It's a bit of a difficult location to get to and figure out where to park, although parking is free. Tickets are not cheap either. Not my cup of tea, very uncomfortable and exiting the theater after the show takes forever. read more

Ticket prices are ridiculous for this small crappy unknown venue squished right against a road and a bridge. $85 for ONE ticket to Christmas In Connecticut?!?!?!! I'm a regular to Opera at Lincoln Center in Manhattan and the prices are comparable to this crappy little place!!! I've seen a number of shows at much nicer venues for much less money!!! I'm seeing Straight No Chaser at Mohegan Sun for $50, and they are a well-known musical group performing at a beautiful, popular venue. Godspeed Opera house is a rip-off. read more

As classic theater located on the banks of the CT River. We have been season ticket holders for 3+ years and love each show. Parking is adjacent to the theater ( free ). Before the show you have the choice of a few restaurants within walking distance. Dress lightly and bring a coat as the temperature inside can vary. read more

So, the Goodspeed is a lovely old historical building and that has lots of value. I appreciate historical things being preserved. The problem is the fact that the place is much too small to really house the audiences that come in. It is very hot and cramped inside while a play is going. During intermission, the audience has to struggle through narrow ways to try and get to bathrooms, which are also far too small to accommodate an audience that size. The part about the bathrooms is not a rare one with stage theaters, but it's part of the larger problem that the building is very vertical and very cramped, and did I mention hot? I doubt anybody will go along with me on this, but I think the solution is probably to remove about half the seats and make it a more intimate kind of place. You can't cram a roaring crowd into a phonebooth. I also didn't dig the play I saw, but that's not what I came here to talk about. read more

This is an old school beautifully refurbished first class place to see a new production of a musical show. It's a not to be missed experience to see the top New York talent in a lovely Connecticut venue right on the Connecticut river. The musical directorship and musician force is king here. The integrity of the old school Broadway shows enmeshed with fresh innovative artistic ideas breathes new life into their productions every season. Side note: it's worth reading up on the interesting history of this historic landmark. What fun times we've had here enjoying the martinis and snacks in the second story patio overlooking the beautiful Connecticut river at the intermissions between acts. It all adds to the experience! From their first life of "Annie" to their more recent years of cool Red Sox version "Damn Yankees", classical "Fiddler on the Roof", She Loves Me" & "Pajama Game" and even to little known productions like "Mirette" it's worth supporting the musicals here. All Their artistic direction is first class. Shout out to the wonderful Josh R, working behind the scenes to preserve the historic integrity. You'll be happily humming the tunes for months after. It's nice to see the American arts alive and well in suburban Connecticut. read more

This place should no longer exist. It was built in 1877 and by the 1950's was being used by the CT DOT for storage. Was scheduled for demolition and saved by local arts groups. It is a small, intimate setting with unique historical architecture, placed right on the Connecticut river. There is one restaurant next door called the Gelston House, and a tiny pizza place across the street. When we see a show here, I am never prepared for the level of enjoyment that I experience. I am really putting myself out there by saying this, but I become emotionally moved by the fact that you have off Broadway actors pouring their heart out for an audience of 300 in such a tight setting. The Goodspeed experience is like going back in time. I almost wonder if this is what it felt like to see a vaudeville show. This theater is a miracle in many ways. Drop the hundred bucks per ticket and see a show here. You would spend the same for any other sort of live event, only you will not experience anything like the Goodspeed. Connecticut is probably one of the most boring, awful places in the entire Northeast. This theater is evidence that CT used to be a better place. That the world once demanded more of its entertainment. I highly recommend that you treat yourself to this experience before you die. read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Historical theater. Beautiful setting. - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

I would give a lot more than five stars if they were there to give. I recommend visiting at night to enjoy the setting of this historical place overlooking the river. This was our first musical we have been too and was pleasantly surprised. Chasing rainbows is a musical about the personal, and professional life of Judy Garland up to the time of Wizard of Oz. It was a great show with plenty of great performers. We sat in the theater section and had a great view. It looked like there was not a bad seat in the house including the balcony. You can ask for pillows to sit on if needed but chairs are pretty comfy. I am a large person so found that chairs are a little close to each other and definitely benefitted from being on end chair. There is an intermission about half way through the show. You can order drinks when you come in and they will be waiting for you at break. There is a small variety of snacks as well as coffee and tea. The staff of employees were very friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back here again in the future to enjoy another show and also walk around this little historic town in East Haddam. Be very careful strolling around this town as it is very busy with cars in such a small town. read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Back of opera house on the river. - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

The shows are super, I can't say enough. We called the Box Office and spoke with barbara who was so kind and helped us with a ticket change we desperately needed. Thank you so much Barbara read more

Goodspeed Opera House - Beautiful Goodspeed,goodbuy - Performing Arts Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

Just amazing and has that ideal New England charm. Highly recommend- actors from all over the world to preform here!

Got to tour the theater during the open house event....I'm new to musicals but I can feel the historical importance and home to American musicals.... It's quite a significant place!! Produced over 250 musicals, including over 70 world premieres, and exported 20 productions to Broadway. .... WOW!!! They get royalties even to this day for their original productions. And if you've performed on this stage you get wats known as "actors equity"...which is a big deal for the actor coz is means from now they get paid more.... They also offer programs like training young talents ... For more info check their website.. That's quite interesting if u have a child interested in acting, they are set for life. The whole building is 5 stories.... With the main theater on the 4thi guess (not as grand as I expected) but so beautiful....preserves the old seating arrangement... It doesn't hold too many ppl though... They actors dressing rooms (also not that big)...must get really busy during a production...attract actors and composers from last over the world... A tour around the building really helps to understand how difficult it is to put on a show.... And a world class one!!! read more

Really enjoyed Will Rogers Follies at Goodspeed!!!The leading man really captures the charm and humor of Will.Supertalented performance!Other standouts include the "understudy", his wife and his Dad.Tapping,singing and dancing the entire cast did a wonderful job.Throw in a bit of up to date commentary also. If you love musicals,you definately should not miss this one!Thanks Goodspeed for providing an outstanding evening of entertainment! read more

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Do not waste your time on Goodspeed Opera House. The staff is completely incompetent. I attempted to buy tickets online. I was able to select the seats for a particular show, but the website did not allow me to complete the purchase. I called Goodspeed Opera House. The staff-member I spoke with brought up the website on her end and acknowledged my seat selections (party of 3). She confirmed the three seats together in row K, and I made the purchase over the phone. A few days later when I went to the box office to pick up my tickets and see the show, the box office refused to give me the seats that I had selected and offered seats that separated the members of my party. I protested and insisted that they provide the seats that I paid for. They arrogantly refused without apology or concession. The staff members were indignant that I would not submit to their terms. I demanded my money back and left. I travelled from Gloucester, Massachusetts to Haddam, Connecticut to see this particular show, but the staff at Goodspeed Opera did not care about that at all. If you plan to see a show at Goodspeed Opera House, you are putting yourself at risk. I have never seen such incompetence and arrogance. The disregard for their patrons was astounding. read more

Want to see a musical with talented actors and musicians in a gorgeous old Victorian theatre? This is the only place around. Sure the seats aren't especially comfy and the acoustics aren't the best. It gets hot and stuffy in the building and the bathrooms are ridiculous. But it's in a great location right on the Connecticut River. During intermission or before the show you can go and look and the river or walk around the yuppie little shops in town. No, it's not perfect but it is so cool and unique that it has to get five stars. read more

Fantastic productions at both the Goodspeed Opera House and the Norma Terris Theatre in Chester!

I am a long-time resident of East Haddam, so I speak from experience. The Goodspeed Opera House is incredible. They produce the highest quality productions each and every season. The acting is so superb that I am often brought to tears during many of the performances -last night being no exception, as we attended the opening of "It's a Wonderful Life". There's something magical happening here. I witness it all the time, as I see the actors walking around town with a sparkle in their eyes. The Goodspeed Opera House is not just a place to attend great shows, it's a place that history will one day remember as a great incubator of talent. Don't delay, and get your tickets now! read more

We had a fantastic time here (first time) in Nov 2018 seeing "The Drowsy Chaperone" - so much fun and the cast was superb (we would say Broadway-level). Small intimate theater makes for a nice setting and good views of the stage everywhere. Coming back to see The Music Man this month (May 2019). read more

DISCLAIMER: MUSICALS ARE GOD'S GIFT TO MANKIND AND NOBODY CAN TELL ME ANY DIFFERENT. Of course, I was enamored by this place, so many actors that we know well started out before the show was brought to broadway. Idina Menzel and Julie Andrews have graced that stage and the energy was palpable. The tour would've cost only 5 dollars however since we were a group of 30-they offered it for free to get the word out. We're not hooligans so we took a collection to donate and wound up giving them more than if they had collected the entrance fee. The architecture is old and majestic. The tour guides have a deep seeded love of musicals and they shared the most interesting facts! Tickets are about 75$ and I'm sorry I wasn't around long enough to catch a show. The stage was set for Bye Bye Birdie and will be off to broadway soon so we were unable to take pictures of the copywrited stage that was set. 390 seats which is super intimate and allows the full immersive experience when watching the show. Triple threats are the usual talent witnessed in these shows and they live on the grounds, being trekked back and forth mondays and tuesday to go to NYC for auditions for their next show. It's a gem and I would love to go back to see a show one day. read more

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