Terris Theater to Reopen in Chester

Next month, The Terris Theatre in Chester will open its doors for the first time in more than three years. The Terris Theatre is Goodspeed Musicals second stage and they invite patrons to be a part of the post-Covid reopening of their beloved little Chester stage.

The second stage closed in late 2019 following a production of “A Connecticut Christmas Carol.” After over three years, they are preparing to reopen their important developmental space with two new musicals. They hope to further expand programming at the Terris in future seasons.

For almost 40 years, The (Norma) Terris Theatre has been Goodspeed’s home for developing fresh, innovative and original new musicals. Many new and reimagined musicals have been developed in Chester, Conn., before moving on to Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours and other Regional Theatres.

Because this is a developmental theater, the show can change on a day-to-day basis. New scenes are added, songs are moved, costumes are changed, dialogue is tweaked—all based on audience response and feedback.

Goodspeed recently notified members of the reviewing media that when the Terris reopens they will invite critics to participate in the process by providing reviews of these developmental productions.

Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director of Goodspeed Musicals, wrote: “This year, and for the first time in the history of the Terris Theatre, we are inviting our colleagues in the reviewing media to join us as we shape new musical theater works in their earliest stage. We believe that your insight and unbiased opinion can be useful to our creative teams as they develop their work.”

This is a momentous step for Goodspeed and one that makes perfect sense to me. If the production team tweaks the show based upon the feedback of audience members, why not allow seasoned theater reviewers to offer their constructive criticism?

Hilton asks that reviewers keep in mind that most Terris shows have never before been seen by an audience. “They represent the work of creators in whom we have invested and stories which we believe deserve to be heard. We ask you to offer your thoughts in the spirit of constructive criticism.”

Goodspeed expects this will result in greater awareness of the new works development process and the investment in new work, which has long been Goodspeed’s hallmark.

As a reviewer, I greatly enjoy seeing a new work, getting in on the ground floor of something fresh. I find it easy to remember that the script is a work in progress and I can offer some careful suggestions to make it even better.

Before the musical “Amazing Grace” moved to Broadway, I purchased a ticket to see it at the Terris. I did not write a review of the show, but at least I had bragging rights.

“Here You Come Again: How Dolly Saved My Life in 12 Easy Songs” will run July 26-Aug. 27. This new work is written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, and features songs written or recorded by Dolly Parton (and others.) It is directed and choreographed by Gabriel Barre and is rated PG.

This rollicking and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imaginary version of Dolly Parton gets him through a trying time. With her wit, humor and trademark charm, she teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps… even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones! The show is packed with hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream” and more.

“Private Jones: A New Musical” is the second new musical scheduled for Oct. 13-Nov. 5.

“Private Jones” is inspired by the true story of a deaf soldier in World War I who displays remarkable skill as a sniper while hiding his profound hearing loss. Driven by an ensemble of deaf, hearing and hard-of-hearing actors and a dynamic Celtic score, witness how one man’s journey through war becomes all the more treacherous because he and we can’t hear what’s coming next.

The production is written and directed by Marshall Pailet. The director of artistic sign language is Alexandria Wailes, with music direction by Madeline Benson. The show will be choreographed by Misha Shields. Age rating is 15+, strong language and depictions of war.

Season tickets are $90 per person and are available online or by calling 860.873.8668. The Terris Theatre is located at 33 North Main Street, Chester, CT 06412