Review: 'Shakin' The Blues Away' A Virtual Gala Concert

EAST HADDAM, CT (virtually) - 'Shakin’ the Blues Away: A Virtual Gala Concert for Goodspeed Musicals premiered online on Thursday evening. The well-produced concert included performances by Broadway and Goodspeed greats including Troy Anthony, Klea Blackhurst, Bryan Thomas Hunt, Gizel Jiménez, Rashidra Scott, Kelly Sheehan, James Snyder, Alysha Umphress, and Nicholas Ward.

Patrons were sent the link to watch that night, as well as reminder email closer to the event date with a copy of their unique link and more detailed information about the evening. It was extremely easy to access the online event and the just under hour-long video worked seamlessly on my desktop.

It was such a treat to see both the inside and outside of the beloved opera house as the backdrop for the inspired performances. There was a mix of Broadway standards performed in various locations inside the theatre, as well as in front of the iconic building. There was even some dancing in the tiny lobby and tap dancing moving into different rooms, allowing viewers a glimpse into the private portions of the theatre, including what looked like a dressing room. This peek behind the scenes at the beautiful Goodspeed made the gala even more special for me.

Needless to say, the performances by the talented individuals who had all traveled to the Goodspeed were a joy to behold. The carefully chosen musical numbers were meant to uplift our spirits and truly “shake away the blues” of the pandemic. I looked forward to seeing Klea Blackhurst, who was so memorable as Goodspeed’s Dolly Levi and Ursula in Sharon, and her number certainly did not disappoint. I loved being taught a very spiritual song by Troy Anthony and yes, I did sing along when invited. However, the title song remains the one stuck in my head.

There was effective lighting in cheerful costumes and the filming was most professional. While the performers were not able to sing live, the lip synching was admirable and did not detract from the amazing vocal performances.

Shakin’ the Blues Away will be available to watch for an entire week after it premieres.The concert is available to watch as many times as you'd like until 10pm ET on November 6. This ticket is considered a donation to Goodspeed.

EVERY PENNY COUNTS - TWICE!
The Gala premiere was so successful that the Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts has allowed Goodspeed to extend their dollar-for-dollar match until November 6 to help them raise more funds to support them through the long winter.

If you'd like to do more to help: Click Here to donate online or call the Box Office at 860.873.8668 (M-Th, 10am-5pm)