Gov. Malloy Mingles at the Musicals [Video]

Despite the rain, local contractors and crews met with Governor Dannel P. Malloy and several special guests on Wednesday to tour the nearly finished construction of the 17 free-standing houses.

Gov. Malloy and other guests including Sen. Eileen Daily and East Haddam First Selectman Mark Walter, took a tour of the area being referred to as the "Actors Village." The village is part of the Goodspeed campus which includes the theater itself, 4 g sites, rehearsal studios, a music library and scene shops. 

The housing project provided jobs to employees of Connecticut based businesses. It is "expected to become the catalyst for transforming a small town center into a major tourist destination."

Gov.Malloy toured the site, spoke with several of the local contractors and discussed the positive economic impact of Goodspeed Musicals’ expansion project.

"It's great to see the governor come out and support the art community. Goodspeed is a major tourist attraction and is great for the local economy," said sub-contractor for Atlantis Building Company and Moodus resident Larry Maxwell.

First Selectman Mark Walter was "happy to see that Gov. Malloy is committed to redefining our state's image as a great place to visit."

"The Goodspeed is an anchor to the community and could become an artists mecca celebrating not only East Haddam, but the entire River Valley and the state," Walter continued.