My introduction to the historic Goodspeed Opera House was in 1991. To celebrate my mother's birthday, we took her to see a beautiful play about family relationships and love, the musical "The Most Happy Fella." With books, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser ("Guys and Dolls," "How to Succeed in Business..."), we were enchanted by the stirring production and left the theater singing. Literally. It's that kind of show.
This season the Goodspeed Playhouse revisits the heartwarming, timeless musical, and I am excited to say my mother and I will be in the audience tonight. The 2013 production is directed by Rob Ruggiero whose credits include Broadway's "High" with Kathleen Turner and "Looped" with Valerie Harper-- A big shout out to Ms. Harper, one of the kindest, compassionate and talented human beings/actors I have had the honor to interview. She traveled to a synagogue in Norwalk, CT to raise funds for a close friend's foundation. Ms. Harper received Tony Award nominations for her performance and I can only expect Mr. Ruggiero will bring out top caliber performances tonight, too. He's directed several sold-out musicals at The Goodspeed--most recently "Carousel"--and has been involved with TheaterWorks in Hartford since 1993.
"The Most Happy Fella" runs through Sunday, Dec. 1. Stay tuned for my upcoming review. I have a strong feeling this is one show you will not want to miss.
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