Goodspeed's Norma Terris
Presents New Musical, "Lucky Guy"

Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut, will present the new musical comedy, "Lucky Guy," as the spring production at its Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Connecticut. Performance dates are May 14 - June 14.

The cast will feature Gary Beach (at left) who won the 2001 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance as Roger De Bris in the "The Producers." Beach also earned Tony Award nominations for Best Actor in "Beauty and the Beast" and "La Cage aux Folles." His other Broadway credits include "1776," "Annie" and "Les Misérables."

Set in the colorful world of Nashville, "Lucky Guy " takes a light-hearted look at the country music scene. Audiences will meet the Queen of Country Music and Biggest Used Car Dealer who will stop at nothing for a new hit record. They’ll use every trick in the book to get a prize-winning singing cowboy and his song into their clutches. But will the devious duo prevail? Or will the show's hero end up the ultimate Lucky Guy? Don’t miss this original musical comedy packed with plenty of action and toe-tapping songs the whole family will enjoy.

Book, music and lyrics for "Lucky Guy" are by Willard Beckham. A graduate of The Cleveland Institute of Music, Mr. Beckham made his debut as a composer/lyricist at Carnegie Hall. He was then commissioned to write the first musical comedy ever produced in Korea, "Magic in the Mirror," directed by Baayork Lee.

As a performer Mr. Beckham toured with the first and second national companies of "No, No, Nanette" performing with such luminaries as Don Ameche, Evelyn Keyes, June Allyson, and Ann B. Davis. On Broadway, he originated the roles of Geoffrey in "Something’s Afoot" and Richard Tidewell in "The Utter Glory of Morrisey Hall" with Celeste Holm.

"Lucky Guy" Director and Choreographer Warren Carlyle returns to Goodspeed where he previously choreographed "The Baker’s Wife" at The Norma Terris Theater and the Goodspeed Opera House hit "Pirates of Penzance." His Broadway credits include Director/Choreographer of "Tale of Two Cities" as well as Associate Choreographer for "The Producers" and the 2002 revival of "Oklahoma!"

The creative team for "Lucky Guy" includes such Broadway talents as Musical Director Antony Geralis, Music Supervisor Todd Ellison, Scenic Designer Walt Spangler, Costume Designer William Ivey Long, and Lighting Designer Ken Billington.

Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theatre, Goodspeed Musicals produces three musicals each season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam and additional productions at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, 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.

For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860-873-8668 or visit www.goodspeed.org.

-- OnStage Boston

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