Hand-Painted Posters Set the Stage for a Unique Tag Sale This Weekend

After a long cold winter, springtime brings with it the promise of lush green grass, the sweet sound of birds chirping, and the thrilling adventure of unearthing that perfect tag sale treasure. 

If you've been searching tag sale after tag sale for that elusive life-sized puppet theater for your living room, be the first in line at the annual Goodspeed Musical Theatre Treasures Tag Sale Sunday. Doors open at 9 a.m. in the lobby of the Norma Terris Theater at 33 North Main St., Chester. The sale ends at 4 p.m.

The sale will feature an eclectic collection of set pieces, props, furniture, dressing screens, and other intriguing pieces that have graced the Goodspeed's performance stages throughout the years.

According to Elisa Hale, public relations manager of the Goodspeed, the tag sale has been going on for about 15 years. Historically, "it has been tremendously successful with crowds of people visiting throughout the day" and lines that often flow into the parking lot, Hale says.

Specific items in the tag sale include unique 1960s-style chairs from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Other highlights include hand painted side-show posters and a large puppet theatre, both from "Carnival!" Personal checks, cash and credit cards will be accepted for purchases.

Proceeds from the sale will go to support Goodspeed Musicals’ Education Program. According to the Goodspeed's website, the key elements in the mission of Goodspeed Musicals are to "promote understanding of and appreciation for musical theatre and to nurture the talent of artists engaged in this indigenous American art form."

With this mission in mind, the Goodspeed Musicals' Education program "provides a varied and enriching environment for individuals to engage in all aspects of musical theatre while receiving crucial instruction from professionals in the field."

Annually, Goodspeed Musicals produces three musicals per season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam with additional musicals at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester.

The tag sale will take place at the same time as the 21st Annual Chester Winter Carnivale. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Chester center.

The carnivale will feature food by local restaurants and the Chester Rotary, street performers, a "Chilly Chili Cook-Off," an ice-carving competition and tractor parade down Main Street. 

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