Goodspeed's BIG RIVER Cast Raises Over $1000 for Mark Twain House and Museum

To prepare for their roles in Goodspeed Musicals’ current production, Big River, adapted from the Mark Twain classic “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” the cast recently went on a tour of The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Conn. The company was so impressed by the experience they decided to take up a collection to help support this Connecticut landmark. “It is our custom to exchange gifts on our opening night, but we were so moved during our recent visit to The Mark Twain House and Museum that we decided as a company to forgo that tradition and honor the legacy of Mr. Twain, which you so beautifully preserve,” explained cast member Mary Jo McConnell as she presented the check for $1135. The gift giving exceeded all expectations and proved a most joyous surprise for Education Director Craig Hotchkiss who was presented the check by company members following a recent post show talkback. Big River will run through November 30, 2008 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Come along for the adventure of a lifetime! Join Huck Finn and runaway slave Jim on a musical trip down the Mississippi River in Mark Twain’s classic tale. Along the way you’ll meet a rascally pair of river grifters, a grieving heiress, and of course, Tom Sawyer. A slice of pure Americana – adventurous, humorous, perilous, and mythic. Big River, adapted from the novel “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain, draws from an ecclectic collection of musical styles including Cajun, gospel, blues, and country. The Broadway production garnered seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Tickets are $26 - $63. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.. THANKSGIVING WEEK SCHEDULE: Monday, November 24, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, November 28, at 2 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, November 29, at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, November 30, at 2 and 6:30 p.m.

 SPECIAL EVENTS: Backstage at Goodspeed - Take part in a lively post-show audience discussion with the cast and a special guest from The Mark Twain House & Museum on Thursdays, November 6, and November 20. Backstage at Goodspeed events are free with a ticket to that evening’s performance. Thanksgiving Week Food Drive -  Beginning Monday, November 24, Goodspeed Musicals will hold their Annual Food Drive to benefit the East Haddam Food Bank. Goodspeed will be collecting donations November 24-30. Goodspeed Musicals is offering $10 off the regular ticket price to patrons who bring a non-perishable food item to the November 24, 7:30 p.m. performance of Big River. For a complete schedule and tickets call the Box Office at 860.873.8668, open seven days a week or visit us online at www.goodspeed.org.        

Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theatre, Goodspeed Musicals produces three musicals each season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn., and additional musicals at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., which was opened in 1984 for the development of new musicals. The only regional theatre to receive two Tony Awards (for outstanding achievement), Goodspeed also maintains The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre and The Max Showalter Center for Education in the Musical Theater. Goodspeed gratefully acknowledges the support of American Airlines, the official airline of Goodspeed Musicals; production sponsors Bank of America and Connecticut Light & Power / Yankee Gas; and additional support from Blum Shapiro; Hoffman Lexus; Mohegan Sun; Henkel Adhesives Technologies; Updike, Kelly & Spellacy P.C.; the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism; and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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