Local Performing Arts

The Goodspeed Opera House - In 1959, Goodspeed Musicals was formed to restore the 19th century Goodspeed Opera House and reactivate it as a professional theatre in 1963. Goodspeed pioneered the practice of rethinking, restoring and revitalizing America's musical theatre heritage and is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theatre and the development of new works to add to its repertoire.

Each April through December season, Goodspeed produces three musicals at the Opera House in East Haddam, and three new musicals at The Norma Terris Theatre located in Chester, CT. Under the direction of Michael P. Price since 1968, Goodspeed has achieved international acclaim as the home of musical theatre. Throughout this time, sixteen Goodspeed productions have transferred to Broadway, receiving more than a dozen Tony Awards.

The Ivoryton Playhouse - Initially built in 1908 as an employee recreation hall, the Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT is one of the oldest, self-supported summer theatres in the nation. Gaining prestige in the theatrical profession in the 1930s, the playhouse helped to mold newcomers like Katherine Hepburn and Cliff Robertson, and after World War II, a parade of stars such as Marlon Brando, Ethel Waters, Art Carney, Helen Hayes, Betty Grable, Groucho Marx, Myrna Loy, Gloria Swanson, Dorothy Lamour, Maureen O'Sullivan, and many others.

Today, the Ivoryton Playhouse is a popular venue for many New York City-quality productions and now includes a Fall/Winter schedule and a Summer Children's Theatre. The recent installation of theatre-quality seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and air conditioning brings a touch of New York City theatre to this quiet borough in the Connecticut Valley.

The Bushnell - As Connecticut's premier presenter of the performing arts, The Bushnell, located in Hartford, CT, has delighted and inspired audiences for more than seven decades. The Bushnell, a nonprofit organization, is renowned for community programs, as well as being a leading educator and advocate of the arts.

With an annual roster of over 350 events and an annual audience of over 300,000, The Bushnell presents major Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations, travel films and children's theater. In 2001, The Bushnell also began presenting off-Broadway, jazz, blues, cabaret and comedy performances as well as concerts and world music events.