Goodspeed Kicks Off Its Musical Season

The Goodspeed Opera House will kick off its musical season next month with the boxing musical “Cutman.” The brand new spring production will be the first of a three-show season at Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre in Chester. The musical will run from May 12-June 5.

The cast will train with the pros at the legendary Lion’s Den in Middletown. The boxing equipment will be provided by Everlast and “Cutman” is sponsored by Essex Savings Bank.

Cutman is the dramatic story of a young Jewish boxer who dreams of being the Welter-Weight Champion of the World. Trained by his father in the basement of their synagogue, he turns pro and takes the boxing world by storm. But when his shot at the title fight is scheduled on the eve of Yom Kippur, he must choose between achieving his lifelong dream and defying his faith.

“From rock, to pop, hip-hop and R&B, ‘Cutman’ boasts a contemporary score that is sure to pack a knockout punch,” the Goodspeed said in a prepared statement.

The musical features music and lyrics by Drew Brody, book by Jared Michael Coseglia, with a story by Jared Michael Coseglia and Cory Grant.      

The cast is led by Grant who will play Ari Hoffman. Tony-nominated actor Robert Cuccioli, of Broadway’s “Jekyll & Hyde” and “Les Misérables,” will play Eli Hofman. Edi Hoffman will be played by Laura Dean, who is returning to Goodspeed after playing an orphan in the 1976 premier of  “Annie.”  Her Broadway credits include The Who’s “Tommy” and “Doonesbury.” The role of Olivia will be played by Ana Nogueira.

Curtain times are Wednesdays, 2 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.*; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (*Thurs. 8 pm only on May 13th).

Tickets are available through the Box Office (860.873.8668), or online.