MIDDLETOWN GOT THE GOODSPEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

For those of you who don't know me - I'm very close to the Mayor, so I am very psyched!!!!

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!

[JerseygirlCT]

1. I think it will make sense in the long run for the Goodspeed as well

Pretty as the original theater is, it's not an easy trip from anywhere. Middletown's far more accessible. And a house that size really changes things for the theater, as well. It will be interesting times there!

[NewJeffCT]

2. good for Middletown

Most of my relatives (save my wife's family) were born in Middletown and I grew up in neighboring Cromwell. In the early years of my life from 1968-71, I lived off of Newfield St in Middletown.

I drove down Main Street recently and a lot has changed since I worked there in the mid 80s - lot of Asian-oriented restaurants & stores on the north end, it seems, though Public Market is still there.

[seventhson]

3. Bad for East Haddam though

I have been involved in Connecticut theater and film for many years (worked as an actor and had some plays done at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford) and grew up going to the Goodspeed.

It is a sad day for the hamlet and wesleyan already has "culture" up the wazoo.

maybe a smart move fiscally - but the goodspeed will NOT be moving to Middletown -- only the money and the moneymakers.

The Goodspeed willl always be the goodspeed and moving the people who sold it out to Middletown will probably not be good karma IMHO for them. Too corporate and too little soul.

The opera house is what makes the goodspeed. Its ghosts. Ots history and its mystery.

NONE of that will travel upriver.

[JerseygirlCT]

4. Aren't they keeping the opera house?

I thought this new theater was in addition to the old one.

The old one is gorgeous, but a pain to run and produce theater in -- lots of technical problems to work around. And the larger number of seats in this new venue ought to be a big help.

I know what you're saying about soul, but the reality of the nonprofit theater today is that it's a tough, and struggling business. Long Wharf's finally getting their new theater, too now -- they've been working on that deal for years. Towns are waking up to the fact that a good theater will do wonders for them, and theaters are selling that idea in order to get decent places to do business. And, let's face it, it's got to be harder to attract sufficient support out in the boonies...

I'd rather see lots more public support of these arts institutions, but I doubt we'll ever see big government grants again. It's a game of survival now, you know?

[Justice]

5. I Knew Someone Who Was Involved in the Goodspeed

He was on the board/a trustee or something like that. He died in the last year of cancer. Nice nice man. First name Bill (William). Did you know him?

Also, had a friend who was in the theater, he is now first selectman of Killingworth. First name David?

Just trying to make small world connections here.